A pair of George III carved mahogany elbow chairs in the manner of Gillows circa 1785-90

89cm. high. 58cm. wide. 53cm. depth, Chair A; superb quality, discolouration to rear of cresting rail. Lower portion of shield shaped back with old fracture, repair and filled hole with metal rivets. The uholstery is very good carved seat rail on left with loss, repair and lifting. Front right leg with notable repair to reverse, the other leg with evidence of glue to the underside of the seat rail numerous old tack marks at this site too. Each leg re-tipped (approx 1.5cm.). Chair B: again of superb quality old marks to reverse of cresting rail and repairs in the form of mahogany insertions to the left arm where it meets the shield back and to each support that connects the back to the seat. At some point the back must have become detached from the seat. Numerous tack holes to the underside of the seat rails. Repair to front of left seat rail. Both chairs with later strenghtening blocks underside seats and the restorations that have taken place are generally good.
"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 fine pair of chairs realise exactly a design produced by Gillows in the October of 1786 for a ‘Cabriole Armchair’ for Robert Peel (Westminster City Archives). Peel ordered a set of ten chairs at this time and it is tempting to think that these may have formed a part of that group. The similarities are striking the subtle replication of crossed palm fronds to the cresting rail is of particular note. See Susan E. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London, Woodbridge, pl.146, p.181.