Although mostly for convenience, the porters chair was made to be reasonably comfortable as opposed to hall chairs. Where as hall chairs offered a rock like resistance to the posterior and no comfort to the back and usually came in pairs or sets. The porters chair on the other hand was made to protect him from the rigours of a job which condemned him to draughts, and could be both comfortable and desirable.
A Fine example of a Deep Buttoned Leather Porters Chair
http://www.christiandaviesantiques.co.uk/CurrentStock/tabid/124/AntiqueType/View/Antique-ID/1626/A-Late-19th-Century-Antique-Hooded-Leather-Porters-Chair-C1890.aspx
