Campeche or Campeachy Chairs
In this country Campeche chairs are associated with New Orleans and the West Indies in general. The chairs feature an X-form leg and stretcher, one leg of which extends up to form a curved stile for the back, the other forming the seat rail, between these extensions is attach a leather ‘sling’ – often goatskin – which forms the seat and back – the equivalent of a contemporary lounge chair.
The chair’s campeche name derives from the mahogany used in its construction which came from the Mexican provence of Campeche.
The form is only occasionally found in northern climes, although Thomas Jefferson favored one and had several made at Monticello.