A pair of George I carved giltwood chairs early 18th century

in the manner of James Moore, with shaped padded backs and seats, the shepherd`s crook arms carved with fish scales within an egg and dart carved border, on leaf-carved cabriole legs, re-gilded

These chairs appear in very good condition. The upholstery is later and a little worn in places particularly on the top edge of one chair. The seat-rails are both heavily wormed but original. Both have later strengthening corner brackets. Rails beneath upholstery unexamined. Re-gilded. Minor losses. One foot partially re-tipped. Height to top of back 94cm., 62cm. wide, inside width between arms 50cm., 61cm. deep; 3ft. 1in., 2ft. ¼in., 1ft. 7¾in., 2ft.
"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 present chairs relate to other examples which have been attributed to James Moore. James Moore ( c.1670-1726) worked at Nottingham Court, Short`s Gardens, St. Giles-in-the-Fields, London. It is presumed that he was an apprentice in the workshop of John Gumley, the Royal cabinet-maker, becoming his partner in a number of Royal Commissions after 1714. After the dismissal of Sir John Vanbrugh from his position as comptroller of the building of Blenheim Palace, Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, appointed Moore in his stead, considering him to be her `Oracle'. Moore`s name appears frequently in the accounts at Blenheim and there are a number of pieces still in the house which are known to have come from his workshops. Besides becoming cabinet-maker to the King, Moore`s clients included Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington and Ralph, 1st Duke of Montagu. 

Similarities to the present lot can be seen in  pair of armchairs, originally supplied to James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos ( 1673-1744) for the Chapel at Cannons, Edgware, Middlesex, sold Christie`s London, Important English Furniture, 8th June 2006, lot 50. The overall form is similar and certain details such as the fish scale ornament and finely-carved egg and dart ornament can be seen on both pairs. Further comparisons can be made with a pair of chairs, see Sotheby`s London, Important English Furniture, 18th November 2008, lot 338 with a possible Chandos provenance. These chairs also share same the same form and some of the same carved detail.