A set of twelve mahogany chairs early 20th century

in George II style, after a design by Giles Grendey, one bearing a brass label THE CHAIR OCCUPIED BY/ HIS MAJESTY KING EDWARD VII/ WHEN ENTERTAINED TO LUNCHEON BY/ LT. COL. AND MRS ARTHUR HAY DRUMMOND/AT CROMLIX HOUSE, AFTER HIS MAJESTY/HAD OPENED THE QUEEN VICTORIA SCHOOL/ DUNBLANE 28TH SEPTEMBER 1908

Arthur William Henry Hay-Drumond of Cromlix, Dunblane, b. 4th May 1862, was the grandson of Thomas Robert, 11th Earl of Kinnoull 1785-1866.

These are all in good restored condition. The seats have all been recently re-covered with new leather. They have all been repolished. There are some minor old marks scratches and dents consistent with age and use. They are a sturdy and attractive set.
"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."

These chairs with their distinctive backs are based on a set of chairs which are virtually identical believed to have been supplied by Giles Grendey for Henry Hoare at Stourhead, Wiltshire and which are illustrated in R. Macquoid and R. Edwards, The Dictionary of English Furniture, 1954, vol. I, p.275. 

Giles Grendey was an important cabinet maker producing furniture of exceptional quality who originally established his workshop at St. Paul`s, Covent  Garden early in 18th century.   By 1720 he had moved to premises in St. John`s Square, Clerkenwell. Unusually among English cabinet makers of this period , he seems to have developed a thriving export trade . One of his most notable clients was the Duke of Infantado for whose castle in northern Spain, Grendey supplied a seventy-two piece suite of scarlet-japanned seat and cabinet furniture, some of which is now in the Metropolitan Museum, New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum, London and Temple Newsam, Leeds.