Two similar George III mahogany library armchairs circa 1765

in the manner of Paul Saunders, with damask upholstery

Good overall condition. Minor old marks and scratches. Re-polished. Frames beneath upholstery uninspected. The hessian backing has now been removed and one of the armchairs appears to have possibly been re-railed.
"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."

Paul Saunders (b.1722-d.1771) was a noted upholsterer supplying major London and country house clients in the 1750s and 1760s, his early commissions including Holderness House, London, Petworth House, Sussex and Stowe, Buckinghamshire. He was first apprenticed to the upholsterer Michael Bradshaw in 1738 who was probably related to William and George Smith Bradshaw with whom he became partner after 1750. This partnership was dissolved in 1756, Saunders retaining the part of the workshop situated in Sutton Street near Soho Square. In 1757 he was appointed 'Tapestry Maker to the King' receiving in 1761 the additional position of as 'Yeoman Tapestry Taylor' in the Great Wardrobe, retaining both positions until his death in 1771.