A set of Eight George II Walnut Hall Chairs circa 1740

 

The Journal of The Furniture History Society, Vol. XVI, 1980, plate 152.

Lot 228 Overall good condition; beautiful color and surface; some areas of old worm, though the chairs appear to be sturdy; two chairs with backs which are slightly loose and would benefit from tightening; overall with old scuffs, scratches and bruises which have a waxy surface. All chairs with a nice waxy surface – as these are hall chairs, the wear is consistent with the age and use of them – they have good proportions and form and are well-made with typical restorations. 1. with age crack to back rest which is stabe; some infilled losses to monogram; butterfly patch to back of front leg/support at join with stretcher; stretcher replaced. 2. long age crack to seat with shim and infilling; infilled chip to turned seat; age crack to rear leg/support; old worm to left corner of seat with subsequent losses; replaced stretcher; butterfly patch to back of front leg/support at join with stretcher. 3. replaced stretcher; front leg/support with two replaced corners/feet. 4. patches to monogram inlay; seat with some age cracks with slight separation; replaced stretcher; back leg support with two later corners/feet; front leg/support possibly replaced with old wood; the corners of the front leg/support with two later corners/feet. 5. vertical age crack to backrest and is stable; front leg/support with two later corners/feet; butterfly patch to back of front leg/support at join with stretcher. 6. two age cracks to back of seat; the seat with replaced left side running the length of the seat but only 2 inches wide at the front and tapering to a point at the back; butterfly patch to back of front leg/support at join with stretcher. 7. Seat with vertical age crack with some patches to cross-banded veneers; front leg/support with large replaced left corner/foot. 8. age crack to back of seat; front left corner with extensive old worm damage with subsequent losses; front leg support with extensive old worm damage with subsequent losses to the corners/feet; back leg/support with large loss to the back left corner/foot.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The design and construction of hall chairs of this form have their origins in early 17^thcentury Italy, becoming a popular form for the furnishing of the somewhat austere and architectural entrances of the English country house. Beside the form of the present chairs, they are also unusual in being constructed in walnut rather than the usual mahogany and oak. It is also rare to find chairs inlaid in this manner, armorials and mottos being normally painted.

A set of hall chairs with the Tollemache arms of almost identical profile and with the same re-entrant corners to the seats was supplied to the Fourth Earl of Dysart for Ham House, in 1730, by the London Cabinet maker George Nix of King Street, St. Martin’s Lane. These were described as ’18 Hall Chairs Painted and Varnisht’ at a cost of  £1. 0s. 0d. each.