The American Rocking Chair … That’s Actually Welsh
Hold onto your hats, because what I’m about to share might just leave you gasping in disbelief. You know those charming “American” rocking chairs, full of southern charm and pioneer spirit? Turns out, many of them have been harbouring a little secret—they were made in Swansea, South Wales. Yes, really. Right under our noses in the land of rugby, daffodils and male voice choirs.
The Rocker Revelation
So, if you’ve been picturing your antique rocker gracing a quintessential American porch scene from The Waltons, complete with a heartfelt “Goodnight, John-Boy,” think again. It’s far more likely to belong in How Green Was My Valley, with a gentle “Nos da, boyo.”
Around the early 1900s, the elegant “plantation” look (think Gone with the Wind) was all the rage. During the next 20 years, these American-style rocker chairs became extremely popular. They’re well made and incredibly comfortable — so it’s no surprise they’ve lasted over a hundred years and are still going strong.
My Very First American ( Ahem! … Welsh) Rocker
It was very similar to the one in the photo — just far scruffier, with a wobbly rock and a definite lean to one side. I bought it for a tenner from someone in my night school upholstery class, and to be honest, I think I overpaid! While I was scrubbing away at the springs, covered in grime and glue, I spotted something unexpected — a faint little stamp on the frame that read “Made in Swansea.” I felt robbed! All that effort for what I thought was a classic American relic, only to discover it was from just down the M4
Surely it had to be a fluke? They’re called American rockers, after all! I asked my Welsh husband and his family — nothing. Except… his Grandma Jenkins in Abergavenny had one just like it. Coincidence? I thought no more about it.
Curious Chair Connections
Before starting work on a chair, I often chat with clients about the story behind their piece. Again and again, these particular chairs with no obvious Welsh link turned out to have a secret Swansea story.
There was the lovely Scottish lady from Edinburgh who wanted hers reupholstered in tartan — and just happened to have a Welsh grandmother. Then a woman from Norfolk brought in her mother’s old chair — Mum was from Swindon, no Welsh roots, right? Except… Swindon turns out to have a huge Welsh community. In tough times, many left the Valleys looking for work in London. Swindon, being halfway and full of factories, became home.
So it appears that not always, but most often than not, these rockers have South Wales origins if you dig deep enough.
What the History Books Don’t Tell Us
Fascinated by the recurring “Made in Swansea” stamp, I did some research. It led me to discover that there had once been a small furniture factory in Swansea making these chairs. Sadly, the trail went cold quickly — details are sketchy at best.
I’m no antique expert, and of course I could be wrong. But I believe many of these rockers, lovingly passed down through families, have travelled far and wide — and their roots are far closer to home than most people realise.
Could Yours Be Welsh Too?
If you’ve got one of these elegant chairs tucked in a corner somewhere, go on — turn it over. There might just be a bit of Welsh magic stamped underneath.
Up next in this mini-series… The first chair that completely changed how I thought about my business — and made me fall in love with turning furniture into storytelling.
