A matched set of eight George III mahogany `cockpen' armchairs late 18th/early19th century

comprising a set of six armchairs, three stamped CW, one stamped AM, and a further pair of armchairs, one stamped WC

By family repute, Archibald Kennedy, 1st Marquess of Ailsa ( 1770-1846), Culzean Castle, Ayrshire. Subsequently passing by descent,  to his son Lord Gilbert Kennedy ( 1822-1901), then to this daughter Mary Kennedy,  ( married Alfred John Howard, Worton Hall, Isleworth,1876,  d.1916), then her daughter the Hon. Mrs Claud Biddulph (1880-1970), then to her daughter Lady Marjory Findlay (1915-1995) and then to the present vendor. 

These matched chairs make a great set and have been thoughfully assembled. Detecting differences is hard to discern to the naked eye. Good overall condition. Some characteristic minor repairs to the back rails at the joints where the cresting rails join the upright rails of each seat. Old marks and scratches throughout and some chairs feature strengthening batons to the underside on the interior rails of each seat, these are obviously hidden. Each chair is of a solid stance. The timber is attractive but some chairs are affected by the sun and some competent with scuffs from use. The leather seats have the sorts of marks and scratches one would expect from age and use. Interestingly two of these chairs are stamped 'R Bowler'. A very pleasing set of elegant armchairs which are of bold and comfortable form and essentially 'ready to place' (subject to taste).
"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 origin of the characteristically Scottish `cockpen' chair has led to various suggestions. The most widely accepted of these relates to the village of Cockpen in Midlothian, part of the Dalhousie estate. The family pew of the Earls and Marquesses of Dalhousie in Cockpen church used to contain examples of this form of chair. A derivation of the `Chinese Chippendale' style, the cockpen chair thrived in Scotland during the second half of the 18th century, however, the term appears never to have been used during this period, either in accounts or inventories ( cf. Sebastian Pryke, `Cockpen Quest', Country Life, 29 April 1993, pp.80-81).

A very similar chair possibly by the Scottish firm of Young, Hamilton and Trotter is illustrated in F. Bamford, A Dictionary of Edinburgh Wrights and Furniture Makers 1660-1840, 1983, pl.46.

For comparison, see Sotheby`s London, Important English Furniture, 7th July 2000, lot 94, a set of six chairs sold for £35,000.