A George III mahogany library armchair in the manner of Thomas Chippendale circa 1765

with outscrolled molded arm terminals, the shaped skirt with moded edge and raised on scroll carved cabriole legs. Covered in associated contemporary needlework.

Possibly supplied to Sir Peter Leicester, 4th Baronet (d. 1770) for Tabley House, Cheshire

Christopher Hussey, English Country Houses, Mid Georgian, 1760-1800, Woodbridge, 1988, p. 57, fig. 98.
H.A. Tipping, English Homes, period VI, vol. I, 1926, p. 37, fig. 53

Overall good condition; needlework associated; restorations to bases of armrest supports at join with seat rails; the back two scrolled toes possibly replaced; some old worm damage to seat rails overall with minor nicks scuff bruises and wear consistent age and use; with nice color and surface.
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 present armchair is identical to a set of library armchairs supplied to Sir Peter Leicester for Tabley House in Cheshire.  The house was built by the Yorkshire architect John Carr in the 1760s, continuing after Sir Peter's death in 1770.  Sir John Leicester, who succeeded his father as a boy in 1770 eventually was created Lord de Tabley in 1820 having become one of the Prince of Wales's set.

The design of this chair relates closely to designs for 'French Chairs' by Chippendale in his Director, seen in plate XIX, 1762, 3rd ed.  The present chair is similar to Chippendale's work especially to a suite of fourteen armchairs supplied to William Crichton-Dalrymple, 5th Earl of Dumfries for Dumfries House, Ayreshire, Scotland (see C. Gilbert, The Life and Works of Thomas Chippendale, vol. II, p. 86, fig. 139) and to Lady Winn at Nostell Priory, circa 1767, (ibid, p. 87, fig. 140).

Chairs from this suite which have sold include one at Christie's, London, February 24, 1994, lot 189; another pair at Phillip's, London, November 24, 1992, lot 71; a side chair belonging to David Style, Esq., Wateringbury Place, Kent, sold Christie's London, June 1-2, 1978, lot 549; and an armchair at Christie's, New York, January 19-20, 1996, lot 543.