A set of five George III carved giltwood and gesso side chairs, circa 1770, attributed to Thomas Chippendale

upholstered in red velvet, re-gilt

One pair: Ronald Phillips Ltd, 1989
Set of three: Partridge Fine Art Ltd, 1989

Generally in good restored condition. Chips to gesso and some carved decoration. Four with supporting blocks to the underside. The exposed beech to each underside stable although traces of old worm, variations to evidence of former blocks and transport batons. There is rubbing to some gilding but this does not detract. Velvet fair but with some marks.
"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 attribution to Thomas Chippendale for the present chairs rests on the similarity of these chairs to other chairs which are fully documented as being by Chippendale. The form of the back and legs and the carving on the seat-rails relates closely to a set of chairs supplied by Chippendale for the salon at Nostell Priory, illustrated Christopher Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, 1978, 2 vols., Vol.  II, pl.184. Further comparisons can be made with a set of armchairs supplied by Chippendale for a suite supplied for the salon at Burton Constable, circa 1778, (ibid., fig.192).