A George I walnut chair back settee circa 1725

the drop-in seat covered with early 18th century verdure landscape tapestry fragments, beechwood elements to the uprights of the reverse side

Country house condition. Central splat with veneer patch restorations to base. Detached mouldings and veneers to right seat rail corner and central front leg. Some minor veneer restorations to seat rail. Back when viewed from the rear shows most signs of damage which comprises extensive old worm, a replaced central rear leg, a splice to one outer leg. some re-jointing and some repairs to the beechwood elements of the uprights. General old marks scratches, minor losses, age cracks and wear. Some splits and areas of loss to tapestry seat cover. Tapestry could be English rather than Flemish. Essentially a lovely settee in rare, relatively untouched condition except for the essential old repairs. The front of the settee which would typically be the visible side of this if it were say used in a hall is relatively unscathed. It could be conserved by stabilising the back and carrying out sensitive veneer restorations to the front including properly re-applying the detached mouldings.
"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 settee appears to be inspired by a group of seat furniture associated with the Clerkenwell workshop of Giles Grendey, featuring distinctive shell motifs to the crestings and knees. These include a set of six side chairs in the Carnegie Museum of Art which bear Grendey's label (see C. Gilbert, Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture, 1700-1840, Leeds, 1996, p.242. fig 434).