Speaker's chair
Date made: late 19th century
Description: This is the chair used by Speaker of the House of Keys Sir John Senhouse Goldie-Taubman.
It is made from oak with a leather cushion. It has a carved design of three legs and a viking ship with furled sails. A silver plaque carries an inscription recording the fact that the chair was presented 'to Sir JS Goldie Taubman on his retirement as Speaker of The House of Keys, 1889'.
The Goldie-Taubmans were among the most influential families on the Island in the 19th century. Their home was the Nunnery outside Douglas. Sir John's father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were also speakers of the House of Keys. He is remembered as tactful, genial, and good-tempered, and he was regarded with affection as well as respect. Well versed in the constitutional history of the island, and in the powers, prerogatives, and privileges of the House, as well as in parliamentary precedent and rules, he was thoroughly judicial, fair, and impartial.
Measurements: overall: 160 x 73.5 x 64 cm
Materials: oak
Object name: chair
Collection: Furniture Collection
ID Number: 1996-0133