The cultural value of these stools also reside in the fact that they were used in the context of health fads of the given period. It used to be known as ‘rich man’s disease’ because it was assumed that it was caused by overindulgence in food products such as meat and alcohol. This association brings socio-cultural aspect to the item because at some point in the past, some diseases were affiliated to certain classes. For some, the gout stool could have been a useful piece, albeit hidden in the parlor, which would demonstrate both the owner’s prosperity and his/her poor health.
Even if we don’t require gout stools for the reason they were initially made, they can be valuable to collectors of antique furniture. Due to the fact that their look is as good as it works, they are often sold at antique fairs and online marketplaces. For those of us who appreciate the age-old art of creation, a folding wooden gout stool is a delicate piece that speaks volumes about how even everyday items were made with the right amount of passion and ideas.
In an era where products are thrown away as soon as they are no longer required the gout stool is a clear exemplar of the longevity and aesthetics. Whether as a piece of art placed in today’s home, something to talk about or even for the purpose it was made for in some instances, this simple stool makes a link between the past and the present, reminding us of the fact that back then, furniture was made to endure both the test of time as well as mind.
The next time you are using a wooden folding stool, just take some time to consider its background. However, it is not only a chair, but a piece of history which can be used as a furniture.
