A set of eight Regency giltwood chairs circa 1820

regilded

Reputedly commissioned by Don Pedro de Souza e Holstein, 1st Duke of Palmella ( 1781-1850).

Thence by descent until sold by the Duke of Palmella`s heirs, Sotheby's London, 5 July 1996, lot 120.

Good overall restored condition.
"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."

The present chairs are part of a large group of Regency furniture reputedly acquired by the Duke of Palmella during the years he spent in London as Portuguese Ambassador to the Court of St. James. A particular favourite of the Prince Regent, and a close friend  of William Beckford, Palmella came to prominence at the time of the Peninsular War, when he served under Wellington, and was subsequently appointed to represent his country at the Congress of Vienna. In 1815 he was awarded the post of Ambassador in London and immediately took up residence at No. 74  South Audley Street, which had served as the Portuguese Embassy since the mid 18th century. With his customary love of show and fine living, Palmella filled the house in South Audley Street with fashionable new furniture, including an outstanding group of pieces by George Bullock which he afterwards took back to Portugal and which was subsequently sold by one of his descendants ( Visconde de Torrâo sale, Rua do Sacramento 24, Lisbon, Silva, 27-29 April 1987: sold again Christie`s, London, 25 June 1987, lots 171-181, see also Lucy Wood, `George Bullock  and the Duke of Palmella', The National Art Collections Fund Review, 1988, pp.96-100, and F.H.W. Sheppard (ed.), Survey of London, Vol. XL, The Grosvenor Estate in Mayfair, 1980, pp. 309-311). The Bullock furniture commissioned by Palmella has been described as `the most sumptuous, and the most extensive single suite by Bullock to have been identified' ( Wood op.cit.), and , like the present chairs, gives evidence of the Duke`s refined tastes and passion for the decorative arts.

Although recalled to Portugal in 1817, Palmella demurred, preferring to stay in London. Eventually his appointment to Secreatry of State for Foreign Affairs forced him to return in 1820, but he made further visits to London in later years, including a glittering appearance at the Coronation of Queen Victoria as Portugal`s Ambassador Extraordinary.

Several chairs of similar design to the offered lot are recorded including a set sold Christie`s, London, 15 January  1970, lot 22, illustrated in Geoffrey Beard and Judith Goodison, English Furniture 1500-1840, 1987, p.261, fig. 8; another sold Sotheby`s London, 10th February 1989, lot 96; and further examples sold Sotheby`s London, 11th July 1986, lot 98 and Christie`s London, 15th November 1990, lot 39, and 16th July 1992, lot 105. A teapoy attributed to George Bullock and reputed to have formed part of the Duke of Palmella`s collection sold Christie`s, London, 6th July 1995, lot 43.