A set of twelve Regency parcel-gilt ebonized caned dining chairs by John Gee circa 1810

All chairs stamped JG, six stamped WG, six stamped IL.

Sold, Christie's, London June 25, 1987, lot 147

Sold, Christie's, London July 9, 1992, lot 91

C. Gilbert, Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700  - 1840, Leeds, 1996, p. 219, fit. 383

Overall fair condition; chairs structurally sturdy; the painted surface in distressed condition with numerous chips and losses overall, however stable; one chair redecorated; the legs with more losses and chips to gilding, japanning, and to gesso; some chairs with later caning; one chair with broken caning to back of seat and needs restoration; one with small hole to caning of seat.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The London chair-maker and turner John Gee variously stamped his work JG or GEE.  Gee is first recorded in 1779 when he entered into partnership with Benjamin Crompton, Turner in Ordinary to George III. In 1787 Gee was appointed turner to the King, and although he retired from active business around 1824, he retained his royal warrant for a further seven years. In addition to his work for the Crown, Gee undertook commissions for such distinguished aristocratic patrons as the Earl of Wilton, for whom he supplied a set of chairs for the celebrated circular Music room at Heaton Hall, Lancashire, in 1790.