19th Century English Renaissance Carved Hall Bench by Baker of Somerset

19th Century English Renaissance Carved Hall Bench by Baker of Somerset is a rare, signed artifact at least 150 years old!  Hand-carved from old-growth oak to last for generations, it features an amazingly elaborate sculpted facade that will require quite some time to fully appreciate.  Fantastic fish creatures appear perched on the crown, flanking a demilune crest with foliates, beginning the journey into the artistry of the work.  Three solid oak panels, hand-chamfered in the back into the pegged mortise & tenon framework, were each hand-carved with stylized floral and foliate motifs centered in an archway for a colonnade effect.  The boldly scrolled armrests on each side are carved with winged gryffins framing the solid plank seat.  An apron carved with bold demilune rosettes traverses the front and each side, with large turned legs in front connected with the solid back legs which are one piece all the way to the crown.  Pegged mortise & tenon joinery was used throughout the design to ensure this keepsake will bring smiles to your family's faces for generations to come.  Signed by the maker, C.H.Baker of Bridgwater, Somerset, a region of the English island that dates back to the 9th century with a rich history over the past millennium.
Circa 1870s
Measures 42H x 56W x 18D; seat 17H