George Walton (1867 - 1933)

walnut, the arched top rail and seat rails with parcel gilt decorated mouldings, the pierced top rail above shaped arms with knopped tapering terminals, on slender supports

A stylish pair of good overall appearance. Of slightly darker patina then the illustration suggests. Old marks and scratches overall. The seats and back have been re-caned. Pieces have undergone minor restoration in places. For example, one chair has been restored to one joint where the arms meet the upright and again, to a small area where the toprail meets the upright. A practical pair of elegant design that are ready for display.
"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."

Walton used this design for his decoration of the drawing room at The Philippines, a house in Brasted, Kent, in 1902-05. A photograph of side chair of this design can be seen in situ there in The Studio Year Book of Decorative Art of 1907 (see below), and can also be seen in Karen Moon, George Walton, Designer and Architect, Oxford, 1993, p. 120.

A 'Philippines' chair was also exhibited at The Arts and Crafts Society Exhibition in 1909, and is illustrated in The Studio, vol. 49 (1909), p. 105. The citation lists the maker as T. Smith, working to Walton's design.