Lot 343
  • 343

A rare set of eight George I walnut dining chairs, probably Irish, circa 1720

Estimate
50,000 - 80,000 GBP
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Description

  • walnut
the rectangular padded backs and drop in seats upholstered in plum velvet on lappet carved turned tapering legs and pad feet, joined by ring turned and square section H-stretchers, ensuite with previous lot

Provenance

Most probably supplied to Arthur Hill-Trevor, 1st Viscount Dungannon (of the second creation) (1694 - 1771);
Moved to Brynkinalt Hall, Denbighshire by Arthur Hill-Trevor, 2nd Viscount Dungannon (1763 – 1837) in 1795 upon the sale of Belvoir Park;
Thence by descent.

Condition

A rare and elegant set of dining chairs in good stable conserved condition. Seven chairs have had the frame to their drop-in seats replaced, probably during the 19th century. One chair has a later stretcher which has been copied form the others very well. All the chairs have later supporting blocks to the seat rail. The timber to one chair has bleached and discoloured probably through sun damage. The rest have a very good original colour. With some old marks and scratches commensurate with age and use.
"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

Constructed with removable padded backs, the present chairs are rare examples of early Georgian seat furniture conceived in the restrained 'India' (Chinese) manner. They would have originally been upholstered in contemporary 18th century needlework which, owing to the framed back and chassis seat, could be changed with ease, ensuring the chairs were always adorned in the latest fashion (see lots 336 and 337 for an indication of the type of needlework). 

For a related set of ‘India’ back walnut dining chairs supplied to William or George Conyngham for Springhill, Co. Londonderry circa 1715-1725, with similar legs and stretchers, see The Knight of Glin and James Peill, Irish Furniture, Singapore, 2007, p. 206, cat. 6. For a set of four Irish walnut dining chairs, with near identical legs and stretchers, see those offered Christie’s New York, 26 January 2000, lot 553.