A FRENCH WHITE-PAINTED CAST-IRON GARDEN SEAT

The design for this bench is illustrated in the 1858 Barbezat & Cie Fonderies du Val D'Osne catalogue, under 'Bancs de Jardin', plate 251. The industry of producing cast iron garden ornament and furniture was at its height in France during this period, with numerous Parisian fonderies producing a wealth of garden furniture in this ideal medium.