A pair of late George III mahogany library bergères cira 1810, possibly by Gillows

with caned backs, sides and seats, together with buttoned damask back and seat cushions

Good overall condition. Re-caned. Minor old marks bruises and scratches. Castors possibly later. Good colour and patina
"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."

The design for the present pair of armchairs is inspired by Thomas Hope, the influential Regency collector and promoter of the gout grec.  Hope published Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, 1807 subsequent to his eight year grand tour, including visits to Greece, Italy and Asia Minor.  The art of the Antique that he studied in these countries provided him with a major source for his published designs.  A second source which Hope acknowledged was the work of the leading French Empire designers, Percier and Fontaine, whose  Recueil de Décorations Intérieures, 1800, likewise owes a debt to the the art of classical civilisation.  Household furniture included many designs for Klismos shaped seat furniture and furniture supports in the form of monopodia related to those on the offered lot.   Hope's direct influence can be seen in the designs of the architect and furniture designer George Smith who frequently incorporated animal mask supports in his repertorie of ornament.

The use of mahogany, combined with sparse decoration and reeded mouldings on the present armchairs is analagous with the output of the prolific Lancaster cabinet-makers whose Estimate Sketch Books drawings are preserved in the Gillow archives at Westminster Library, London.  Furthermore the ball motif to the base of the arms has been identified as a motif employed on Gillows library bergères (see Susan Stuart, Gillows of London and Lancaster, 1730-1840, 2008, 2 vols., vol. 1, p. 230, pl. 223).