A SET OF SIX GEORGE III PAINTED AND PARCEL-GILT ARMCHAIRS IN THE MANNER OF SEDDON CIRCA 1780

now painted red with parcel-gilding; together with two associated armchairs with upholstered back and two associated 19^{th century side chairs.  Repaired breaks to backrests and armrests, losses, one armchair with replaced front rail.  10 pieces.}

Captain Jersey de Knoop, Calveley Hall, Cheshire

M Harris & Sons, An Abridged Introductory Catalogue of Antique Furniture and Works of Art, London, n.d., p. 93, no. F5380
Trade advertisement, The Connoisseur, January 1930

Repaired breaks to backrests and armrests, losses, all chairs with later corner blocks, all rails with strip of wood to bottoms added for upholstery tacks, associated armchairs appear to have age but are rerailed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The profile and design of the shaped and pierced backs of these chairs is closely related to a suite of painted satinwood seat furniture supplied in 1790 to a D. Tupper of Hauteville House, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, by the firm of Geo. Seddon, Sons & Shackleton ( See: Ralph Edwards, The Dictionary of English Furniture, 1953, vol. I, p. 301, fig. 241). As noted in Beard and Gilbert's Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840, 'The firm of Seddon was the largest furniture-making firm in London in the last quarter of the 18^th century when it employed more people, held more extensive stocks and produced a wider range of goods than any other furniture making business'. A set of three carved pear wood chairs with similarly designed backs from the collection of Lillian S. Whitmarsh, was sold Parke-Bernet Galleries Inc., April 7, 1961, lot 362.