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18th Century Chinese Chippendale Mahogany Gainsborough Library Armchair

About the Item

A good Chippendale-period mahogany Gainsborough library armchair, circa 1760. This is a lovely example of an early-George III Gainsborough armchair in the sophisticated Chinese taste of the period. With well-executed blind-fret carving to the square legs and arm supports. Note the unusual treatment of the gently-outswept padded arms. Furthermore there is subtle shaping to the top of the back. The 'H' stretcher with pierced Gothick (or 'Gothic') carving. Professionally upholstered to a high standard and overstuffed in a neutral soft velvet, with float buttons and close nailed. Raised on old brass castors. Lovely, rich, old colour and patina. In excellent condition with a sturdy frame throughout. These Georgian library armchairs are sometimes also known as Martha Washington chairs in the United States (a type of antique armchair made in England in the eighteenth century). The chair was very comfortable, generously proportioned, with an upholstered back and seat, open sides and short arms. Literature: R. W. Symonds 'The Present State of Old English Furniture', Duckworth, 1921. See ''A mahogany chair showing the influence of the fashionable Chinese taste in the legs and stretchers'’ fig. 89, col. N. Ralph Edwards CBE FSA 'Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture', Hamlyn, 1972, p. 145, ill. 3, dated ca 1760. Thomas Chippendale 'The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director' (1753-62).
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 38.59 in (98 cm)Width: 27.17 in (69 cm)Depth: 26.38 in (67 cm)
  • Style:
    George III (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1760
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Lovely, rich, old colour and patina. In excellent condition with a sturdy frame throughout.
  • Seller Location:
    Lymington, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BHA 12461stDibs: LU4081127591222
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