A pair of George II walnut and mahogany stools

the rounded rectangular drop-in seats covered in floral needlework, the moulded and banded seat-rails on cabriole legs with incised decoration

The Price Collection, sold Sotheby's London, 22 November 2000, lot 120

The present stools have provenance from the collection of Sir Henry Price who established a tailoring business in 1906 which expanded to some 500 outlets with 12000 employees at its peak. He acquired the estate of Wakehurst Place in Sussex, shortly before receiving a knighthood in 1937. It was for this house and Wilbraham House in London that Sir Henry set about forming an exceptional collection of furniture, paintings and works of art.  Much of the furniture was supplied by his friend and mentor Frank Partridge whose business was to become one of the most prominent firms dealing in antique furniture in the 20th century and to the present day.  In 1953 Sir Henry was created a baronet before his death ten years later whereupon he bequeathed Wakehurst Place to the National Trust. One of his most important furniture purchases was a William III settee and day bed ensuite which he acquired for the enormous sum of £2,800 in 1950.  These pieces which were almost certainly supplied by Philip Guibert for the 1st Duke of Leeds at Hornby Castle were generously presented by Sir Henry Price to the Temple Newsam House, Leeds where they remain as a symbol of his connoisseurship and philanthropy.