A George III white painted hall stool third quarter 18th century

the pierced saddle shaped seat with a fluted frieze, on conforming square tapering legs, surmounted by scroll carving, painted decoration refreshed

Almost certainly Robert Child (d.1782) for Osterley Park House, Middlesex

An academic and decorative lot. Carving is very nice. Sturdy. Re-painted decoration is tired and there are chips and losses throughout. Repairs and splits to the pierced seat, there are probably some replaced sections to this bowed seat, there are also some strengthening batons to the underside. The fluted frieze with one loose corner. There are knocks to this interesting lot but these are entirely consistent with its age and function as a robust piece of hall furniture.
"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 painted stool with its fluted frieze and legs capped by scroll pilasters is designed in the `Roman' manner introduced and popularised by the court architect of King George III, Sir William Chambers and Robert Adam in 1760s.

Designed to harmonise with the architecture of the room, this stool would undoubtedly have originally form part of a group placed in an entrance hall or sculpture gallery. 

Robert Adam was engaged in re-modelling Osterley Park between 1761 and 1780. Much furniture for this house was believed to have been designed by Adam and the stool clearly shows his influence. However the style and quality of this hall seat also suggest a link with the cabinet maker John Linnell( 1729-96). Stylistic similarities, the fluted frieze and legs, can be made with the celebrated group of furniture known to have been supplied by Linnell to Robert Child at Osterley in the 1760s, (cf. Helena Hayward and Pat Kirkham, William and John Linnell, Eighteenth Century London Cabinet Makers, 2 Vols., 1980, vol. II, figs. 66, 69, 72) suggesting that the present piece may have been part of that group.