s The 'Royal Chairs', made by Richardson & Sons, Hull, 1854 - Hull Museums Collections

The 'Royal Chairs', made by Richardson & Sons, Hull, 1854

In 1854 Queen Victoria came to Hull on an official visit. It was a huge event with many celebrations. This chair was made especially for Queen Victoria to sit on during her visit. Two smaller chairs were also made. One was for Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert and the other for the Prince of Wales. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to visit Hull since King Charles I had been refused entry to the city in 1642. Richardson & Sons were an extremely successful furniture firm in Hull, thriving from the timber imports at the docks. Thomas Richardson founded the business in 1812, working in Castle Street. By 1840 the business was based on Bond Street. They had additional showrooms in Albion Street and Waltham Street, and a timber yard in Baker Street. Richardson & Sons made a special set of chairs for Queen Victoria’s visit to Hull in 1854. Richardson & Sons kept the chairs after the visit to display in their show rooms. They gave the chairs to the city in 1880, after another royal visit by The Duke of Edinburgh. Local historian Sheahan wrote in 1864 about the chairs and Queen Victoria’s visit: “The Directors of the Railway Co. placed their magnificent hotel at the disposal of the Corporation for the accommodation of the Queen and her suite. Upholsterers were set to work to fit up in a becoming manner, a throne-room, bed-room, drawing-room, and boudoir for the Queen […] The throne was of a French style (of the Moyen age) and consisted of three chairs for her Majesty, Prince Albert, and the Prince of Wales. These chairs, which were elegantly carved, richly gilt, and covered with crimson silk velvet, were placed on a dais of three steps, covered with purple cloth with gold fringe”.