Our elegant chairs and sofas (6 sidechairs, one armchair, two sofas) were constructed in rosewood and display the hallmarks of the workshop of Alexander Roux, such as the turned bamboo-like stiles on the sidechairs and armchair. Parlor suites in the Gothic taste are rare. This one came out of the 'gingerbread' house in Toronto, Canada that it was first purchased for, Ca. 1885. Alexander Roux (1813-1886) started in business as an upholsterer in 1836 and by 1855 "was one of the preeminent cabinetmakers in New York" (Vorsanger, C.H., Art and the Empire City New York 1825-1861, 2000, pg 317).A. J.. Downing noted in Architecture of Country Houses, 1850, pg 432, that at the warehouses of M. A. Roux, may be found a large collection of furniture for the drawing room, library, etc.. -the most tasteful designs of Louis Quatorze, Renaissance Gothic, etc., be found in the country. The chairs and sofas are particularly elegant." |