Chaise Lounger

Chaise in the Red Bedroom

Country of Origin: Canada
Year: ca. 1840s
Materials: Cotton and wood.

This chaise lounge, which is now in the Red Bedroom of Eldon House, was used by both the Harris Family and their servants. Originally, this lounger would have been in the lady of the house’s bedroom. It was meant to be used instead of the bed throughout the day. Mattresses were originally stuffed with straw or feathers and took time to plump up. During the day, people used chaises or daybeds, so their mattress was intact for the evening.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.