Charles Rennie Mackintosh

mahogany, the stepped ladderback extending to the feet, the sides with two stretchers and one to the front, upholstered in woven wool fabric

It is believed this example was shown, Bethnal Green Museum, London, 50 Years of Modern Design, 1966. A copy of a photograph showing purportedly this chair at the exhibition is available upon request.

Roger Billcliffe, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, The Complete Furniture, Furniture Drawings and Interior Designs, New York, 1979, p. 231, Cat. No. 1917.13

A stylish piece of good overall appearance. Of good structural condition. Minor old marks and scratches, consistent with age and use. Seat has been reupholstered. Unexplained variation to the feet of the two front legs - the left (facing) is incised where it meets the leg, the right foot (facing) is not. This variation is partially visible in the illustration. Upper stretcher to left side has been broken and restored. A provenanced piece by this major designer in good overall condition. Further images available upon request.
"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."

As Bilcliffe notes, two pairs of chairs of this design were made, a pair for W.J. Basset-Lowke for use in the guest bedroom at 78 Derngate, and two for Mr Horstmann, who lived in Bath. This latter commission has survived complete and is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Bilcliffe (op.cit. p.221) goes on to outline how the suite was sold by Mr Basset-Lowke by a local furniture dealer, Mr Cave, shortly before the family's move to a new home, New Ways, where they would be unable to accomodate it.  

Mr Cave left the original suite to his daughter and it was offered in these rooms, Applied Arts, 21st October 1988, lots 94-101.  This lot is sold with a copy of a letter from Mr Cave's daughter, confirming it was purchased from Mr Basset-Lowke by her parents.