A pair of George II walnut library armchairs in the manner of Giles Grendey circa 1745

Upholstered in 18th century needlework.

By repute, Ham House
Apter-Fredericks Ltd., London
Sotheby's New York, April 21, 2001, lot 492

Overall good condition, nicely carved and with nice color to the walnut, the seat rails have later blocks, one chair with the right seat rail replaced, minor nicks and wear overall, with usual scratches and bruises, 18th century needlework in fair condition, stable, with some areas of institching.
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.

Giles Grendey (1693-1780), furniture maker and timber merchant, is probably best known for the suite of furniture he produced for the Duke of Infantado for Lazcano Castle in northern Spain.  That suite contained over eighty pieces of scarlet-japanned furniture, typical of Grendey's 'for export' production.

A similar walnut side chair from a set of twelve has a paper label from Grendey's workshop and is illustrated, C. Gilbert, The Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840, Leeds, 1996, p. 242, fig. 435. That chair has hipped cabriole legs, as with the offered pair, is similarly carved with scrolls and shells and has identical claw-and-ball feet. An armchair with downswept arm supports similarly carved with long leaves, the arm terminals carved with flowerheads is illustrated, ibid, p. 243, fig. 438.

Grendey's first workshop was at St. Paul's,Covent Garden, moving to premises in St. John's Square, Clerkenwell, in 1722 where he developed a thriving export trade. It was reported in various newspapers on August 7, 1731, including the Daily Post and Daily Advertiser, that Grendey was described as being 'the greatest loser, among the stock destroyed being 'an easy Chair of such rich and curious Workmanship, that he had refus'd 500 guineas for it, bring intended, 'tis said to be purchas'd by a Person of Quality who design'd it as a Present to a German Prince' and furniture to the value of £1,000, which he 'had pack'd for Exportation against the next Morning.'  Like much of Grendey's furniture, many pieces retain his printed paper trade label, together with a number of stamped initials which can be identified with the names of his apprentices. These labels and initials have allowed a number of attributions to be made which have expanded his oeuvre, his actual documented work being very sparse.

A set of eight George II walnut side chairs in the manner of Grendey was sold in thes rooms, April 16-17, 1998, lot 802, illus. A George II walnut wing armchair with similar front legs with scroll-carved brackets was sold in these rooms, November 1, 1985, lot 175, and in the same sale, lot 87.