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Rarely do we find furniture made in Wales before 1700 which can confidently be assigned to its original owners and locality. The Conwy Valley is famed for the quality of its woodwork, and the powerful Wynns of Gwydir Castle were amongst those who commissioned pieces for special events.

The chair was included in detailed room settings painted in oil by the noted portrait artist Samuel Sidley whilst a guest at Gwydir in 1866. It has an intricately carved shield, which has traditionally been ascribed to Richard Middleton of Chirk Castle, brother-in-law of Sir Richard Wynn, but it may refer to the latter's close friend and cousin Roger Mostyn (grandson of the above).

The direct Wynn line ended in 1678, but the Castle and its contents remained intact in the possession of their descendants by marriage until the dispersal sale of 1921.

This item is featured in "Welsh Furniture 1250-1950"

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