A Documented Westley Chair.
This is a rare and fine example of a Victorian folding Campaign Chair by John Westley dating from the mid-to-late 19th century (c.1860–1880).

These chairs were designed to be lightweight and portable for use by military officers during "campaigns" or for travel, such as on Steamships (sometimes called a "steamer" chair) stamped by the renowned English firm of John Westley, Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer.

Construction:
Solid Walnut frame featuring an elegant "X-frame" folding design for portability.

The back and seat panels are typically padded for comfort, as these chairs were also sometimes used as "slipper" or "nursing" chairs in domestic settings.

Carving: Features a highly decorative foliate-carved crest rail and faux-bamboo style uprights.

Condition: The folding mechanism remains sturdy and fully functional.

The chair has been tastefully upholstered in a vibrant Blue floral damask fabric (slight fading and wear to the seat) secured with traditional Gold coloured rope/cord ties.

Features a characteristic "X-frame" construction that allows it to fold flat. The wood is Walnut, popular during the Victorian era.

Crest Rail: The top of the chair back features an ornate carved cresting.

Upholstery:
In good antique condition with some fading and wear comesurate with age and use.

Notice that one of the blanking pegs is missing from the frame (as shown) and that the gold coloured cord needs to be reattached; as shown in 3 areas, but please do get upholstery advice beforehand in order to use the correct adhesive/product.

Maker’s Mark:
Clearly stamped "John Westley Cabinet Maker Upholsterer and Carpet Factor" (on the underside of the frame.)

The firm of John Westley was a highly respected furniture manufactory based in Northampton England during the mid-to-late 19th century.

John Westley's showrooms and workshops were famously located on The Drapery, the town's historic commercial heart.

Early Era (c. 1850–1865): The business operated at 25 Drapery. Stamps from this period often denote him simply as a "Cabinet Maker & Upholsterer."
Expansion Era (c. 1865–1885): As the business grew to include "Carpet Factor" services, the address expanded to 22-25 Drapery. This is the period our chair belongs to.
Succession (post-1885): The firm later became John Westley & Sons, reflecting the involvement of the next generation before eventually closing in the early 20th century.

The term "Carpet Factor" (a wholesaler or agent for carpets) became a common addition to high-end cabinet makers' titles in the mid-Victorian period as they transitioned into "complete house furnishers."

Historical Context
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John Westley was not just a local carpenter; he was a "Master" craftsman and the firm was prestigious enough to be listed in the National Archives and trade directories alongside the major Northamptonshire families.

Quality: They were known for using high-quality timbers like Walnut and Mahogany, which matches the rich wood tone seen in the chair.

A perfect addition for a collector of English Campaign Furniture or as a functional statement piece in a period home...

Please see the photos for further information on condition.
From a smoke-free household.