The Design attributed to Alfred Stevens, Manufactured by Holland & Sons

Victorian, third quarter 19th century

gilt-gesso on beech



currently upholstered in gold corduroy, one chair branded 'S. Jude', the castors stamped 'Copes Patent Castors', distressed

Holford was renowned for his discerning and cultivated taste, employed only the best artists and craftsmen of the time and Alfred Stevens was no exception. As well as receiving commissions to furnish some London's most prestigious clubs such as the Athenaeum and the Reform Club, Holland and Sons developed into one of the most important furniture manufacturers of the 19th Century becoming a favourite of Queen Victoria, providing furniture for Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Osborne House and Balmoral. An interesting pair of very decorative chairs. The overriding condition issue are loses to gesso and it is possible that these chairs have been redecorated at some stage during their history. Where there are loses to the painted decoration there are some areas of exposed timber, chips and losses. One of the chairs has a chip and a loss to the right front return. There are some holes and old marks in the corduroy upholstery.
"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."

It is highly likely that this pair of mid-Victorian giltwood side chairs were designed by the Victorian artist and sculptor Alfred Stevens (1817-1875) as they are very similar to a suite produced by him and manufactured by the royal furniture-makers Holland & Sons for the Dining Room at Dorchester House in London, one of the grandest and most lavishly furnished houses of mid-19^th century London, commissioned by the great Victorian patron of the arts, Robert Staynor Holford.

A pair of identical ‘elegant French style saloon chairs’ which are likely to be from the same set and attributed to Stevens and Holland & Son, were sold Christie's London, Michael Liptich II Collection, 4 October 2001, lot 24.