Lot 212
  • 212

A set of three George II carved mahogany library armchairs circa 1755, attributed to Wright and Elwick

Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 GBP
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Description

with upholstered serpentine backs, and seats



 

Condition

Good condition. The mahogany has a somewhat dry appearance. The upholstery is worn in all three chairs, one chair is upholstered in different material. Many scuffs and marks throughout, with wear to the carving especially to the feet. Good solid chairs.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

This set of three chairs attributed to Wright and Elwick is the same model as a suite supplied to Charles, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham, (d.1782) for Wentworth Woodhouse, Yorkshire of which eight side chairs and two settees were sold from Wentworth Woodhouse at Christie`s London ( Spencer House) on 15th July 1948, lot 62. The following lot 63, was three armchairs also of this pattern and it is possible that the present lot could be these chairs. Norman Adams exhibited a pair of these chairs in the same year which were almost certainly the Wenthouse Woodhouse chairs.  

A further suite of seat furniture of this type was recorded in 1905 at Hackwood Park, Hampshire and which was believed to have been supplied to the 5th Duke of Bolton, ( d.1765) for his London house. The Bolton family had in 1905 been in residence at Hackwood following a fire at Bolton Hall and it seems possible that furniture could have been moved from Bolton Hall to Hackwood. Examples of the suite were sold by Christie`s in the sale of the contents of Hackwood Park, 20, 21 and 22 April 1998, lots119-120.

 Richard Wright and Edward Elwick advertised themselves on their trade card as 'Upholders from London...' selling 'Cabinet work of ye Newest Fashion, Together with all sorts of Household furniture'. It is possible that Richard Wright was the director of the Soho tapestry factory before moving to Wakefield where the firm was located. Subscribers to Chippendale's The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director, 1754. Wright and Elwick would have been familiar with current London taste, as seen in the form of the present pair of chairs or 'French Chairs', pl. XIX, described by Chippendale as 'Two Designs of French Chairs with Elbows'.  Wright and Elwick supplied furniture to other leading families of Yorkshire, including the Earl of Strafford at Wentworth, Sir Roland Winn at Nostell Priory, The Duke of Norfolk at Worksop Manor, Viscount Irwin at Temple Newsam House as well as the Marquess of Rockingham at Wentworth Woodhouse. For further comparison see Christopher Gilbert, Wright and Elwick of Wakefield 1748 to 1824, Furniture History Society Journal, 1976, pp. 34-50, also see Gilbert and Beard The Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1660-1840, London, 1986, pp.1006-1008.

For comparison, a single armchair was sold Sotheby`s, London, Fine English Furniture, 6th February 1998, lot 91 with a provenance of the Henle Collection, and a pair of chairs of identical design were sold Christie`s London, Important English Furniture, 30th November 2000, lot 110.