Chair of the Month for January is not actually a chair, but a template for making chair backs. It was used by the factory of Piercey Biggs and Rackstraw of Desborough of High Wycombe, and it has a label that includes a sketch of the complete chair design together with measurements and instructions for making the chair.  

Piercey Biggs and Rackstraw made reproduction antique furniture until they closed in about 1996. Several Wycombe companies were known for making furniture inspired by antiques. Frederick Parker even built up a large collection of antiques for his company to copy and adapt. His collection survived and is now looked after by London Metropolitan University. 

This chair template can be seen in The Art of the Chair Exhibition at Wycombe Museum until 2 February 2025. The exhibition includes other chair designs from the 19^th and 20^th centuries.  

Chair of the Month is a partnership between Wycombe Museum wycombemuseum.org.uk and the Regional Furniture Society.