A fine pair of George II carved mahogany library archairs in the manner of Wright and Elwick circa 1755

the upright rectangular upholstered backs with shaped padded arms with foliate and cabochon-carved terminals, the shaped curved uprights rising from acanthus leaves, the cabriole legs with foliate and C scroll brackets, the knees with tied acanthus leaves, the in-scrossed toes with C scroll, foliate and cabochon carving.

Overall good condition; one chair with slightly more rubbing and wear to the carving of the handholds than the other chair; the same chair with a plugged repaired crack to top of left armrest support and with minor inpainting; each with some minor wear and scuffs to the carving and with very minor nicks and scuffs to the extremities; the feet slightly dry and with minor scuffs; formerly fitted with casters.
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 of this pair of chairs, together with the carved foliate ornament on the knees and the scrolled and cabochon-enriched toes, are closely related to two suites of seat furniture, one formerly at Hackwood Park, Hampshire, the other from Wentworth Woodhouse, Yorkshire, which have been attributed to the partnership of Wright and Elwick (See: Christie's at Hackwood Park, April 20-22, 1998, lots 119-120, and Christie's London, 'Wentworth', July 8, 1998, lot 67).  Richard Wright and Thomas Elwick (1745-1771) of Wakefield, became one of the eminent firms of cabinet makers in Yorkshire in the latter half of the 18^th century.  Subsequently, the partnership changed to become Edward Elwick & Son (1787) and John Elwick and John Robinson (1788-1816). As noted by Beard and Gilbert in The Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840, 'Elwick was at pains to commend the "neat plainness" of his furniture to patrons' pointedly condemning '"a great deal of Inlaid Expensive work sent from London – but badly Designed the taste Vulgar & Clumsy"'..., and that 'he informed his prospective patrons "I have the Honour to serve most of the Nobility & Gentry in the West and North Rideing"'. These clients included the Marquis of Rockingham at Wentworth Woodhouse, the Earl of Strafford at Wentworth Castle and the Countess of Oxford.