A Regency simulated rosewood and parcel-gilt Klismos type armchair circa 1815, in the manner of Thomas Hope, indistinctly stamped 'M' twice

the curved toprail with triangular ears above a double scrolled crossbar, the straight arms with lion headed scrolled supports, the cushioned seat on reeded, turned tapering front legs with baluster capitals, lacking caning

With Temple Williams Ltd., Haunch of Venison Yard, London, where acquired by Wilfrid Evill (£142) circa 1956, until sold Sotheby's, Wilfrid Evill Collection, 12 July 1963, lot 87 and purchased, through an agent, by Honor Frost.

Illustrated Edward T. Joy, English Furniture 1800-1851, London, 1977, p. 83, in the same book also see p. 58 for a very similar chair credited as being in the collection of the National Trust.

The form of this chair is most unusual and eyecatching. Decoration refreshed. The frame is in good sound condition. It lacks a caned seat and has signs of wear throughout including losses to the gesso, recently notably on one rear upright. One upright has a repaired break with the join of the toprail and with crude later fixing screws. Later cushion. Some joints are loose.
"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."

This 'Grecian' klismos chair strongly demonstrates the influence of the celebrated arbiter of early Regency taste, Thomas Hope (1769–1831). Hope acquired his renowned house in Duchess Street in 1799 and quickly set about remodelling it and furnishing it in a style strongly inspired by his Grand Tours of Greece and Egypt. The first floor apartments of the house were laid out as rooms of display to be opened to the public, living apartments were above. In February 1804 he sent out tickets of admission to sixty members of the Royal Academy which were to admit the bearer and three friends to the house between 18th February and 31st March. Curiosity about the house grew and there was much positive praise. As well as Royal Academicians, admission would be granted in the case of 'An application signed by some persons of known character and taste'. The design of this chair relates closely to a chair illustrated in Thomas Hope, Regency Furniture and Interior Decoration , 1807, pl. 11, fig. II and III illustrates a chair with the same broad shaped backrest and long flat arms.

For a variant of this design, with rams head terminals instead of lions, see a chair sold, Sotheby's, Much Hadham Hall, Hertfordshire, 1 October 1980, lot 703.