Edward William Godwin for William Watt, 1833 - 1886

the back legs with castors

Edward Joy, Dictionary of 19^th century furniture design, London, 1977, p.152 for a design by E. W Godwin with hints and suggestions of domestic furniture by William Watt
Jill Lever, Architects' Design for Furniture, London, 1982, pp.80-81 for the original drawings
Elisabeth Aslin, E.W Godwin, Furniture and Interior Decoration, London, 1986, p.39, n.5 for the original drawings
A. Reid, 'Dromore Castle, County Limerick, Archaeology and the Sister Arts of E. W. Godwin', Architectural History, n. 30, 1987, pp.138 for Godwin's design in William Watt's 1877 catalogue

Colours are a little darker than suggested on catalogue illustration. Armchair has been repainted, probably 50 years ago, adding the lighter green decoration lines. A few chips, dents and minor losses to the painting over the entire surface, notably along the edges of top and along the left facing front leg. Some chips and small losses to both front corners of the seat. Traces of wear to the gilding, notably to the tops of the eagles' heads and to the edges of the front feet. Slight opening of the joints in the center of the back rest and where the armrests meet legs. Traces of wear and staining to the leather, which is probably original. A few chips to the horizontal support of the seat, hidden by cushion leather seat. For detailed view, please visit www.sothebys.com
"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."

Godwin started his career as an architect with a few domestic projects in the early 1860s but Dromore Castle, commissioned in 1866 by William Hale Charles Perry, third Earl of Limerick, an Irish peer who shared Godwin's antiquarian enthusiasms, was his first opportunity for a large scheme of both building and interior. 
The outside of the building is an explicitly Irish castle, inspired by Godwin's considerable knowledge of Irish medieval buidings, the better for Lord Limerick to demonstrate his Irishness and establish his legitimacy as a Peer, but the interior is mostly a testament of Godwin's eclectic tastes, with furniture and decorations variously antique, medieval and Japanese. 

The model of the 'Eagle' Chair was originally designed for the Library at Dromore. Its eagles heads and feet show an Egyptian inspiration and the "curulle" form proves Godwin's understanding of Roman furniture. Godwin's detailed designs for the chair are in the collection of the British Architectural Library at the Royal Institute of British Architects (ref RIBA12540) and show his wish for naturalism. 

William Watt was responsible for producing all the furniture for Dromore Castle through his Art Furniture Company, and took over some of Godwin's patterns in his production. The 'Eagle' chair is featured in Watt's 1877 catalogue, with a 'sun' embossed leather upholstery appearing on the Dromore dining room example.

There is no indication of how many 'Eagle' chairs were produced for sale as a result of the 1877 catalogue, but certainly very few appear to have survived. 

A version in oak with variant stretcher and reupholstered in brown leather was sold at Christie's, London, May 5 1995, lot 30.