Originating in 19th century France, the chair’s design allowed for discreet conversation… or indiscreet gossip. Napoleon Bonaparte had tete-a-tete chairs placed around the Louvre to encourage both revelations and eavesdropping.

The pinnacle of style and sophistication in the Victorian Age, no salon hotel visited by the fashionable elite would be without one. Whilst we can’t confirm the provenance of our love seat, a similar piece, albeit heavily upholstered, appeared in a 1920s hotel brochure. Photographed by Blue Mountain’s photographer Harry Phillips, it is described as ‘a series of luxurious lounges, conveniently placed… the acme of modern comfort.’

Designed to encourage courtship under close supervision, our chaperone seat is at home in the Colonial Wing of the hotel – an adored favourite for wedding photos.