A Regency carved mahogany metamorphic library armchair circa 1820, in the manner of Morgan and Sanders

the moulded and curved oblong top-rail and crossbar above a drop-in seat and boldly scrolled arms, the reeded rail on moulded sabre legs and opening to reveal four boarded mahogany steps

Of pleasing bold proportions. This highly functional chair exhibits signs of age and use as one would expect. The cresting rail with chips to each end and old marks and scratches. The scrolled arms with a small patched section to moulded detail on each. The bowed back rail with a repaired rail at each end. The drop in seat recently recovered in green leather. Protruding screws to hingeback and an area of repair to one. There is a hole to the underside of the rear seat rail. The right side originally with release catch, now incomplete and with loss. The treads of each step are solid but there are signs of wear. The sabre legs with scuffs and chips. A very pleasing object despite the wear described above.
"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 armchair follows a design by the London firm of Morgan and Sanders, published in Ackermann's Repository in July 1811. Morgan and Sanders were specialists in the manufacture of 'metamorphic' furniture of this kind and held the patent for this particular model, which was known as the 'Patent Metamorphic Library Chair' (see G.B. Hughes, 'Regency Patent Furniture', Country Life, 2 January 1958, pp.10-12, and B. Austen, 'Morgan and Sanders and the Patent Furniture Makers of Catherine Street', Connoisseur, vol. 187, no. 753, November 1974, pp. 180-191).