Early 19th Century Regency Armorial Klismos Hall Chairs

A superb quality pair of Regency period library or salon chairs, attributed to Gillows of Lancaster and London. English, circa 1825. Why we like them Quite possibly the most comfor...

An exceptional pair of Regency period chairs, with a well-shaped 'Klismos' outline and unusually generous proportions, attributed to George Oakley of Bond Street. London, circa 1810. Extremely rare and thought after model. Why we like them With front legs unusually splayed in two dimensions, this design is one of the most sophisticated examples from the Regency period. Unusual in form, subtle in ornamentation, and outstanding in quality, these chairs display the decorative techniques of cabinetmaking, rather than joinery. The veneers and Greek-key brass inlays cover the seat rails and front leg joints—a highly unusual feature for chairs—demonstrating superb cabinetmaking skills and suggesting a high-end workshop origin. Attribution: The extremely rare ‘double-splayed’ front legs, derived from ancient Greek Klismos seats, along with exquisite brass inlays, contribute to these chairs' distinctive elegance. This form, along with certain decorative elements, aligns with other pieces traditionally attributed to George Oakley (1773–1840), one of the foremost London cabinetmakers of the period. The scrolling foliage pattern of the inlays on the back tablets of these chairs matches the decoration on a spider-leg sofa table illustrated in F. Collard’s Regency Furniture (Woodbridge, 1987, p. 317) and Mallett’s The Age of Matthew Boulton - Masterpieces of Neo-classicism (London, 2000, pp. 112-113). This table, belonging to a group of furniture firmly attributed to Oakley, likely originates from the same workshop as these chairs. An identically decorated daybed, en suite with these chairs, appears in the same Mallett catalogue (pp. 94-95). A magnificent center table, featuring the same inlays and possibly from the same suite, was sold at Christie’s, New York, 29 January 1994, lot 342. An identical pair of chairs is illustrated in Ronald Phillips’s Fine Antique English Furniture 2018, pp. 158-159. George Oakley George Oakley’s firm produced stylish Grecian-inspired furniture around the turn of the 19th century, pioneering ‘Buhl’ inlay, a decorative technique that regained popularity in the Regency’s early years. Fashionable materials like rosewood, mahogany, and calamander were often used in Oakley's furniture, combined with satinwood, ebony inlays, brass stars, and metal bands. His high-class furniture earned him a royal appointment and a reputation for fine craftsmanship. Visits by the royal family to Oakley's Bond St. Showrooms are recorded as in the Morning Chronicle of 1799. In May, “the ROYAL FAMILY, with the PRINCE and PRINCESS of ORANGE did Mr. OAKLEY the honor of viewing his Printed Furniture...

Collectors' choice - a very fine and rare Regency period pair of mahogany chairs, firmly attributed to George Bullock. England, circa 1815. Highly desirable and sought after model. ...

An extremely elegant, rare quality pair of George III period armchairs. English, circa 1780. Why we like them Wonderfully elegant model, looking very delicate but in fact unusually...

English Georgian Armorial Hall Chairs Attributed to Gillows of Lancaster and London, circa 1810. A pair of early English Georgian armorial sculptural pelta back hall chairs attributed to Gillows of Lancaster and London. The reeded flowing drapery shaped back encompassing a sunken shield escutcheon with possibly the 'Hollingworth' coat of arms 'Stag Lodged' and their motto 'Disc Ferenda Pati' ( Learn to...

A pair of English Regency mahogany hall chairs from the 19th century with coat of arms, dished seats and saber legs. These English Regency mahogany hall chairs from the 19th century are a testament to the elegance and refinement of the period. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each chair features a rectangular double reeded tablet top rail with painted stag that gracefully sits above a square splat. The splat is adorned with an applied tablet molding, framing a meticulously painted coat of arms—a nod to the aristocratic heritage and historical significance of such pieces. The chairs are distinguished by their rectangular dished seats, which ensure a comfortable sitting experience. The design is completed with saber legs, which not only provide stability but also add a touch of grace and movement to the chairs' overall appearance. These hall chairs could serve as a majestic welcome in any entryway, standing as guardians of history and tradition. Alternatively, they could be placed in a study or living room, where they would add an air of aristocratic elegance and serve as conversation pieces. Their regal design and the storied coat of arms make them not just functional pieces of furniture but also significant decorative elements that enhance the sophistication of any home. Perfect for those who appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of English Regency furniture...

A fine pair of Regency hall / side chairs attributed to Gillows of Lancaster, with carved scallop shell backs, panel seats, raised on reeded column legs. Circa 1820 English.

A fine pair of Regency mahogany armorial hall chairs attributed Gillows, each with an ogee back supported on C-scrolls and circular dished seat raised on turned and reeded outswept f...