A set of four Regency ebonized and parcel-gilt armchairs in the manner of Morel and Hughes circa 1810

each with serpentine scroll back and padded arms above C-scroll supports, with leaf-carved hand terminals, above a rectangular seat, the rail embellished with boss motif, on reeded tapering cylindrical legs.

Redecorated; each with later struts to rails; chips, losses, and wear to gilding, particularly at handholds, around armrests, and to extremeties; otherwise, decoration stable; one chair with replaced front molding and side molding to bottom of seat rail; structurally sound.
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.

This pair of chairs with their Grecian scrolled backs are closely related to several other suites of furniture, the earliest of which appear to be those commissioned by Samuel Whitbread II for the Boudoir at Southill, circa 1805, the interiors of which were designed by Henry Holland. The Southill chairs have upholstered tablet backs, their profile being a little less upright than the present chairs. Another suite of chairs with the Southill profile is recorded which was possibly supplied by the London firm of Morel and Hughes to Edward, Lord Lascelles, circa 1810 for Harewood House, Hanover Square. Nicholas Morel was one of a group of Anglo-French craftsmen who were closely associated with Henry Holland and Nicholas Daguerre in the decoration and furnishing of Carlton House for George, Prince of Wales.

See:

Frances Collard, Regency Furniture, Woodbridge, 1985, p. 44
Geoffrey Beard and Christopher Gilbert, Dictionary of English Furntiure Makers 1660-1840, Leeds, 1986, pp. 623-625