A suite of early George III mahogany seat furniture

comprising a pair of library armchairs and six side chairs, all upholstered in a patterned, close-nailed woven horsehair, the armchairs with shell and incised show rails and acanthus and shell arms, all with cabriole legs headed by shell clasps and scrolled feet

The frames of this suite beneath the upholstery have not been examined and there may have been significant re-framing or alterations to the backs. The side chairs have been extensively re-railed and an armchair has had one back leg replaced. This lot has therefore not been given a circa date in accordance with the glossary of terms on page 28 of the catalogue. One side chair with a temporaily repaired back leg which will require proper restoration with a joint strong enough for use. One armchair with repaired breaks to both left feet. underside covering to four sides chairs and one armchair removed for inspection of seat-rails. Some chips to carved elements particuarly around knees. Some 'ear' bracket to legs replaced. Side chair feet re-tipped. Some minor characteristic movement to frames. General old marks, scuffs and scratches to timber. Upholstery worn and dirty in places.
"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."

The French inspired carving and design of the present chairs relates to a suite of seat furniture formerly at Ditchley Park, Oxfordshire, which was possibly supplied for the Drawing Room by William Bradshaw in the 1740's (see John Cornforth, `How French Style touched the Georgian Drawing Room', Country Life, 6th January 2000, pp.52-53, fig.1).  The Ditchley suite which was included in the Sotheby's sale of the house contents on 26th May 1933, represents one of the earliest documented examples of English furniture conceived and upholstered in the French manner.  Furthermore it demonstrates the evolution of taste from the Palladian tradition expressed in Kentian furniture towards the Rococo style which reached its zenith in the Chippendale era of the late 1750s and early 1760s.