s Mayor's Chair by Richardson & Sons, Hull (c.1863) - Hull Museums Collections

Mayor's Chair by Richardson & Sons, Hull (c.1863)

This was the Mayor’s chair in Hull’s old Victorian Town Hall. The Town Hall no longer exists but some of its furniture survives. The Town Hall was built in 1862 and largely furnished by Richardson & Sons of Hull. They were a very successful furniture firm in Hull using the timber imports at the docks. Thomas Richardson started the business in 1812. By 1840 the business had major workshops on Bond Street in Hull. This chair was used by Hull’s Victorian mayors with a footstool. It can be seen in a portrait of Sir Alfred Gelder who was Mayor of Hull between 1898-1903. This painting is in the Banqueting Hall of the Guildhall. The title of ‘Lord Mayor’ was awarded to Hull in 1914 by King George V. Consequently this was always the ‘Mayor’s’ chair. Hull’s Victorian Town Hall was design by Hull architect Cuthbert Brodrick. It was opened in 1866. The larger part of today’s Guildhall was originally intended to be an extension to this Town Hall. However, once the extension was complete they decided to carry on building. The Town Hall was demolished to make way for the Guildhall when it was only 40 years old. Richardson & Sons were an extremely successful furniture firm in Hull. 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. When Queen Victoria visited Hull in 1854, Richardson & Sons made a special set of chairs to be used by the Royal Family. These are in the Guildhall collection as well.