King Edward VII, known for his opulent lifestyle, commissioned a unique piece of furniture known as the “love chair” or “siège d’amour.” This elaborate chair, designed for more than just comfortable seating, facilitated the king’s intimate encounters with multiple partners. But how exactly did this infamous piece of furniture work? Let’s delve into the mechanics and history of Edward VII’s love chair.
The Purpose Behind the Siège D’amour
Before exploring its mechanics, it’s important to understand why King Edward VII needed such a specialized chair. By the time of his coronation in 1902, Edward was clinically obese with a 48-inch waist, a result of his indulgent lifestyle. This physique presented challenges in his personal life, particularly in intimate encounters. The love chair, crafted by renowned Parisian cabinetmaker Louis Soubrier, provided a solution that catered to the king’s physical needs and desires. It allowed him to engage with two women simultaneously without the physical strain and discomfort his weight would otherwise cause.
The Mechanics of the Love Chair: A Royal Threesome
The siège d’amour, housed in the famed Parisian brothel Le Chabanais, was ingeniously designed to accommodate three people. The chair allowed King Edward VII, nicknamed “Dirty Bertie,” to remain in a relatively upright position while two women positioned themselves strategically around him.
The key to the chair’s functionality lay in its specially designed bronze stirrups. Intricately carved into the chair’s frame, these stirrups provided support for the women’s legs, allowing them to maintain a stable and comfortable position during the encounter. One woman would recline on her back in front of the king, while the other positioned herself beneath her, both utilizing the stirrups for support. This arrangement minimized physical exertion for the king and ensured the comfort and safety of his partners. The design also cleverly kept the king’s substantial stomach out of the way.
The Fate of the Original Love Chair and its Replicas
The original love chair is believed to have been sold at a private auction in the 1990s. Its current whereabouts remain unknown, likely in the possession of a discreet collector. However, the chair’s legacy lives on through replicas. One replica was displayed at the Musée D’Orsay in Paris during the 2015-2016 exhibition “Splendour and Misery: Images Of Prostitution 1850-1910.” Another replica can be found at the Sex Machines Museum in Prague, allowing visitors to see firsthand this unique piece of furniture and understand its historical context.
Beyond the Love Chair: Edward VII’s Other Indulgences
The siège d’amour wasn’t King Edward VII’s only indulgence at Le Chabanais. He also reportedly enjoyed a luxurious copper bath, adorned with a half-woman, half-swan figurehead, filled with champagne for his and his companions’ amusement. This further illustrates the king’s penchant for extravagance and his desire for unique and memorable experiences.
