A set of eight mahogany dining chairs in the manner of Philip Hardwick six, including a pair of armchairs, George IV circa 1825, one pair of sIde chairs modern

Overall in good general condition. All have marks and scratches and minor bruising consistent with age and wear, upholstery on all worn and stained and will need to be replaced.
"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."

A set of dining chairs designed by Philip Hardwick and made by W. & C. Wilkinson for Goldsmiths' Hall in 1834 feature similar distinctive carved and collared sabre legs morticed into a slightly outset seatrail (see Frances Collard, Regency Furniture, 1985, p. 125).  

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 in 1807 following 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 engravings.  A second influence 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.  Other notable Regency designers whose pattern books have possibly provided inspiration for the present lot include George Smith, Peter and Michael Angelo Nicholson, and Thomas King.