A large George IV carved mahogany and leather upholstered sofa second quarter 19th century

with boldly turned legs and brass cappings and castors, leather distressed

Chatsworth Inventory, 1844, p. 112 in The Lower Library;
Chatsworth Inventory, 1859, p. 93 in the same room;
James Lees-Milne, Chatsworth, Derbyshire IX, Country Life, September 5, 1968, p. 553 illustrated in The Lower Library

Ordered by William Spencer Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire (1790-1858); the Lower Library, or Duke's Room, Chatsworth, where it was photographed in the late nineteenth century. A fine sofa of very pleasing proportions. The leather upholstery is very worn, with some tears and repaired sections. The arms have been finely carved and the figuring to the mahogany is very good. The seat has partially collapsed and would need to be resprung.
"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."

This large gentleman's sofa may have been supplied by J. G. Crace for the new library at Chatsworth which he created for the 6th Duke in the early 1840s. In the Handbook, p. 36, the 6th Duke writes; 'Mr John Crace was the magician who transformed it [the room] and its presentation making it look something between an illuminated manuscript or a cafe on the rue de Richelieu'