A set of four George III cream and parcel gilt painted beech and caned chairs circa 1790, possibly to a design by James Wyatt

each with a square back and on front square tapering legs and outswept rear legs, one with a paper label printed Drawing Room, one Saloon and another Green Bed Room, losses and very distressed (4)

Ordered by William Cavendish, 5^th Duke of Devonshire (1748-1811) for the new wing at Chiswick, circa 1790

Chiswick House Inventory, 1811, Saloon (sic) West of Dome Four unarmed canes seated chairs, another recorded in Her Graces Dressing Room A White and Gold cane seat unarmed Chair and two chairs from the group recorded in an adjoining bedroom and five further chairs recorded in the Drawing Room 5 White and Gold Square back Chairs cane backs and seats;
Chiswick House Inventory, 1863, p. 41 in the Drawing Room 6 white and gold cane seat chairs with loose seat cushion;
Chiswick House Inventory, 1869, p. 59 in the same room;
Chiswick House Inventory, 1892, p. 34 in the same room;
The Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth - The House, London, 2002, p. 164 where one from the set illustrated in the Duchess's Dressing Room

Distressed condition. One chair has a leg detached. All the chairs are very fragile and the painted decoration is chipped and worn. The caning is dry and brittle with damage to the seats.
"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."

A pair of these chairs appear in a watercolour of the Hall at Chiswick by William Henry Hunt dated 1822, a further chair from the set is in the Gallery;
Photographed at Chiswick, circa 1860

For comparison see a pair of cream painted and gilt side chairs from Powderham Castle. The Powderham chairs were possibly part of group of documented seat furniture commissioned by William 3rd Viscount Courtenay, later 9th Earl of Devon for the great Music Room at the Castle which was designed by Wyatt and completed in the 1790's.