Often I’ve expressed a certain fondness for the funishings in Victorian and Edwardian stud

Often I’ve expressed a certain fondness for the funishings in Victorian and Edwardian studio portraits, the elegant carving and detailed wickerwork, a quirky eccentricity and old-fashioned appeal - things I’d dearly love to have in my own home.

Not this time.

Posing with what has to be the most singularly vile item of furniture I’ve ever laid eyes upon in a vintage photograph, two smart chaps from the early 20th Century - the fellow on the left has such lovely hair curling over his forehead.