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Page 24 The Antique Shoppe April, 2019
Dromore Castle Arm Chair

By Larry LeMasters
LeMasters’ Antique News Service
Edward William Godwin was a leader in the “Aesthetic Style” of architecture, furniture, and design in 19 century
th
England. Godwin began his career as an architect, later turning to furniture design and building. He was greatly influenced in
his design work by Japanese culture, pioneering the Ango-Japanese movement in Europe.
One of his most important, early commissions was Dromore Castle in 1866. William Hale
Charles Perry, third Earl of Limerick, commissioned Godwin to build Dromore Castle and
furnish it with Godwin’s original pieces.
The interior of the castle turned out to be a testament
to Godwin’s eclectic tastes and talents with furniture
built in various antique, Gothic, Egyptian, Japanese, and
medieval styles.
Godwin’s Egyptian-styled “Eagle” chair was
originally designed for Dromore Castle’s library. ↑ Dromore armchair, circa 1877,
William Watt’s Art Furniture Company built the chair with caster legs.
from Godwin’s designs. No one seems to know how
many of these chairs were built, but all collectors know ← Dromore Castle oak armchair
how much they are worth. Christie’s in London sold with stamped leather designed by
a Godwin “Eagle” chair in 1995 for about $23,000. A Edward William Godwin and built
recent “Eagle” chair was offered at London Sotheby’s by William Watt, circa 1868.
with a starting bid of $14,500.
Godwin’s Anglo-Japanese style of furniture was primarily designed with an ebonized finish for use in Dromore Castle.
As a designer, Godwin sought to capture the stripped-down “spirit of Japan” in his Dromore pieces rather than merely
capturing some of the Japanese details.
Dromore Castle “Eagle Chair,” showing The “Aesthetic” style, fashionable in Europe from 1868 through 1893 was based on an aesthetic mixture of medieval
Egyptian influence. Built by William Watt and Japanese styles. Godwin used his love of “aesthetic” styling to produce dining room chairs for Dromore Castle.
and included in his 1877 catalogue. Chairs Ownership of Godwin chairs is considered smart collecting. His seats are both historically important and financially
like this are valued in excess of $20,000. excellent investments—just don’t let your dog chew on one of the chair’s legs.

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