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Shakespeare's Lost Interiors

A Stool for Hosting

‘Each man to his stool’

Timon of Athens (Act III, scene 6)

 

Shakespeare would have had a variety of seating at New Place. Forms (benches) and stools were among the most common pieces of furniture, but they ranged in terms of design, construction and quality. This example of a joint stool is high quality. It is one of a pair currently in the Trust’s collections, but it may have been part of a larger set used for seating during mealtimes. The section just below the seat (the frieze) features an elegantly curved design. The four legs are neatly shaped using a technique called turning and are joined together with simple pieces of wood (stretchers). This made the stool more robust and provided a place for people to put their feet while sitting. The surface of the seat is plain but small cushions could be added for further comfort and decoration. 

The parts of a joined stool were usually fixed together using a mortise and tenon join, sometimes held in place with wooden pegs. They were light and easily transportable making them a useful prop in theatres as well as a household essential. The elegant decoration seen here reflects the time, skill and cost that went into the production of higher quality pieces. The elaboration of simple household objects like stools made a striking impression. Most people at this time owned a stool of some kind and would have known a high-quality piece when they encountered one. Shakespeare’s furnishings would have varied in terms of quality as well as type. Choice items such as this stool could be used to demonstrate his wealth and status.