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Pair Of Georgian Armchairs, Late 18th Century

About the Item

An extremely elegant, superb quality pair of George III period armchairs or elbow chairs. Six side chairs en-suite are available separately. English, circa 1780 Why we like them: Wonderfully elegant model, looking very delicate but in fact unusually strong - the sign of a skilled craftsman. This 'Pompeian' design is the epitome of the late Neoclassicism, introduced into English architecture and interior decoration by Robert Adam in late 1760's. Absolutely delightful chairs, covered in John Boyd Textiles luxurious horsehair fabric with brass trim. Having been preserved in almost untouched and unused condition, they did not require any serious restoration work except reupholstery. Provenance: A Georgian townhouse in Edinburgh This set belongs to a group of chairs closely related to a set, supplied by Thomas Chippendale Junior to Sir Gilbert Heathcote, for Normanton Hall or one of his London residencies. The chairs, illustrated in Judith Goodison, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale Junior, 2017, pp.310–311, display very similar acanthus-carved back splats, that may be seen on other chairs from this group. Other examples include a set of eight stamped 'B.Harmer' sold Sotheby's London, 21 March 2003, lot 135 and a further identical and stamped pair apparently from the same set, sold Christie's New York, 19 April 2001, lot 253. Another comparable set having more simply embellished backs of the same profile as the Normanton Hall chairs and front legs identical to our chairs, was sold Sotheby's London, 30 June 2004, lot 200. Being evidently of the same model, some of these chairs might have originated from the same workshop or were copied from finer examples of the more prestigious makers, such as Chippendale, which was not unusual in the 18th century. The stamp of the freelance craftsman/journeyman B. Harmer is recorded on several suites of fine quality seat-furniture of this period. Although his full identity remains unknown it is clear that he was a high calibre outworking chair-maker employed by the leading designers and makers of his period, possibly by Chippendale Junior himself. All our chairs are stamped WB to seat rails, however, more research is needed to cast more light on the identity of their maker. Would you like to see more beautiful things from our collection? Scroll down below and click "View All From Seller" or favorite our shop to get your first dibs on our new inventory! Measurements Height: 35.25 inches / 89.5 cm Width: 23 inches / 58 cm Depth: 22 inches / 56 cm Seat height: 19 inches / 48 cm Arm height: 27.75 inches / 70.5 cm
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 35.25 in (89.54 cm)Width: 23 in (58.42 cm)Depth: 22 in (55.88 cm)Seat Height: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 8
  • Style:
    George III (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1780-1800
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Fine antique condition, the surface is pleasingly patinated; the chairs are newly reupholstered in John Boyd Textiles horsehair fabric with period-correct brass trim.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1781238410192
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