An Orkney Chair is unique part of the rich heritage of the Orkney Islands. They are wooden, handcrafted and have a straw back. We approached master craftsman Robert H. Towers, who has been making Orkney Chairs for over 38 years, to ask him some questions about the history and process of making them. Make sure you visit his website at http://www.orkney-chair.co.uk/ to find out more!
Q. Can you tell us a bit about the history of Orkney Chairs?
A. Orkney Chairs at first were nothing more than a low round stool covered with straw. Orkney is void of timber, so straw was a good agricultural by-product to use. The design then developed into a low chair with a straw back some two feet in height. The hood was added, possibly to shelter the occupant from draughts. At this stage the seat remained round and the covering of straw went down to the floor..... Click here to read more from the source
The story goes that these chairs are very good for knitters!! The draw under the seat hold all the wool that you need AND a bottle of whiskey ... MMMmmmmmm!!
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