This small pitch pine stool or bench is a typical Irish vernacular design. Seating in the 19th century was often low to ensure occupants were sitting below smoke levels as fire places were often wide. Longer benches, such as this one called ‘Forms’ provided seating on either side of the kitchen table. When not in use they were pushed under the table out of the way. Small single seat versions of this type were used as milking stools.