Manufacturer COOMBS, HENRY

Walnut Sofa

Datec. 1870s

DimensionsOverall: 94 × 184.2 × 71.1 cm (0.94 × 1.84 × 0.71 m)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Eleanor Somerville, 1977

Object number1977.130.002

Label TextEnglish-born Henry Coombs (1819-1882) immigrated to London in 1843 and soon opened a cabinet-making business. He operated it at King and Richmond streets, on the northwest corner of the Market Square, until he closed up shop in 1875. The notice announcing the closure highlighted the medals Coombs’ furniture had won locally and in Paris, France. It also noted that customers could be confident of the quality of his goods. While other manufacturers had adopted machinery, Coombs still trusted the skill of trained craftsmen. This sofa is signed “Coombs.” Judges at the 1861 Provincial Exhibition, held in London from September 24 to 27, awarded Henry Coombs (1819-1882) $7 for the best drawing room sofa. At the same event, Coombs won for having the best centre table, the best set of drawing room chairs, and the best veneers from Canadian wood.

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