A fine Anglo-Dutch carved walnut and cane armchair late 17th century

the cherub and campana urn cresting rail with flower heads and punchwork and with a conforming front stretcher, the back with an oval caned panel within a finely carved foliate scroll border, the arms with acanthus, on spiral twist legs, restorations

Illustrated Gordon Nares, Country Life, Newton Surmaville, Somerset - III, September 19th 1952, p. 845, 846, figs. 3 and 5, in the Tapestry Room

Good and of a firm stance. Cane of brittle appearance. Possible old loss to urn on cresting rail and on conforming front stretcher. Attractive patina to arms. Underside of seat rails with later batons. Re-tipping on feet. This chair is a fine example of its type. To discuss this lot in greater detail please call Edward Rising or David Macdonald on 0207 293 5107 or 0207 293 5507.
"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."

There has always been debate about the geographical origins of such chairs. It is likely though that both the cane chairs from Newton Surmaville were either produced in the Netherlands and exported, or manufactured by a Dutch cabinet maker in England. There are a number of key attributes, whilst not in every case, which place origin towards the Continent. The sophistication of the carved detail; the decoration on William and Mary walnut and cane chairs is usually more stylised and not as detailed. The central stretcher is cylindrical, rather than squared where it joins the lateral stretchers. There is no rear stretcher rail. These differences between English and Dutch chairs are discussed by M. Harris, The English Chair, London, 1948, pl. XII, p. 84.

This chair has strong similarites with a pair of chairs in the Crimson bedroom at Montacute House. The Montacute chairs probably arrived at the house after 1931 during a campaign to procure approporiate furnishings. Adam Bowett discusses these chairs in English Furniture; 1660-1714, From Charles II to Queen Anne, Woodbridge, 2002, p. 232. He concludes that the Montacute chairs are Dutch and whilst referencing in their design a fusion of styles, they date from the end of the 19th century.