Protecting yourself from drafts
The houses in the 17th century is very poorly insulated.
In front of the fireplace we enjoy the heat of the fire in winter but a frosty breath caresses our neck, our muscles stiffen and the torticolis awaits us.
It was at the beginning of the 17th century that an enlightened cabinetmaker, whose name has been forgotten, invented the wing chair. This chair, equipped with two large appendages, protects the neck and throat from drafts.
Falling asleep
The first versions of the wings are made of wood.
Finally sitting comfortably in front of the fireplace one falls asleep but the head comes to hit the hard wood wing and the awakening and brutal. The upholsterer then comes to the aid of the cabinetmaker to add padding to the ears. The ear chair as we know it today is invented. It is also called Bergère à oreille, shepherdess with ear, in France.
The one-size-fits-all, tailor-made chair
At the end of the 19th, the beginning of the 20th century with industrialization, a series of wingchairs were produced. Prices fall but comfort deteriorates. While the cabinetmaker used to make custom chairs, the swedish industrialist produces a one-size-fits-all chair.
We will have to wait the 21st century to have once again the possibility of acquiring tailor made wing chairs at reasonable prices .
