A pair of George IV carved rosewood side chairs circa 1825

the reeded toprails and padded backs above cane seats and reeded rails on turned tapering front legs with leafy collars, cane distressed

An elegant pair. One with repair to left scroll of cresting rail. Upholstery of both back panels very distressed. Below these padded panels there would have been a small border of carved wood, these sections are now lacking. The cane seat of each will require replacing. One chair with losses to each disc motif at the top of the left front leg. The other chair with losses to disc motifs at the top side of each front leg. Loose seat cushions distressed. Discolouration to timber. Aside from old marks and scratches these are an attractive pair of chairs.
"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 high quality of these chairs suggests a cabinet maker of some distinction. Two possible suggestions could be Morel and Seddon of London or William Trotter of Edinburgh. Morel and Seddon supplied the Royal Palaces as well as other leading families, including the Duke of Devonshire. There is a suite of seat furniture, from the Saloon at Devonshire House, which is tentatively attributed to Morel and Seddon and now installed in the Library at Chatsworth. The side chairs in this group feature the same over scrolled backs and the group exhibits the same close attention to classical detailing. Trotter, like Morel and Seddon, also used high quality materials and the ridged frieze used on the top rails and apron is seen in other examples of their work as are the tightly carved turned tapering legs with leaf collars. See Francis Bamford, Edinburgh Furniture Makers, Leeds, 1983, pl. 50, 56, 61 where this frieze is employed.