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Seat comes home

A HISTORIC seat of power steeped in decades of tradition has been returned to its rightful place.

The mayoral chair was removed from Pontefract Town Hall in 1974 as it was deemed in an unfit state.

But after 38 years in storage, Wakefield Council has returned the seat to its former home behind the old magistrates bench in the Nelson Room.

Coun Elaine Blezard, Mayor of Wakefield said: “It is great to see this historic chair returned to its rightful place.

“It is important that we look after memorable items likes this for future generations to enjoy and experience.”

The famous seat – which the Express understands was last perched upon by Mayor of Pontefract Eric Tonks – is back at the centre of local politics after being repaired by furniture specialists.

The late 19th century chair – which had suffered a broken leg and castor – was restored by furniture specialists Tim Phelps and Chris Lund, who have previously done work for the National Trust.

Repairs were funded by the council with the help of the Effective Collections grant, which was given to Wakefield Museums to help bring objects out of storage so they can be displayed.

The furniture specialists also repaired damaged wood surfaces by resealing bare wood and wax polishing, and replacing perished support webbing underneath the seat.


 
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Weather for Wakefield

Friday 24 May 2013

5 day forecast

Today

Light showers

Light showers

Temperature: 5 C to 10 C

Wind Speed: 30 mph

Wind direction: North east

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Sunny

Sunny

Temperature: 7 C to 17 C

Wind Speed: 12 mph

Wind direction: North west

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