A pair of Victorian mahogany benches by Holland & Sons circa 1865

one stamped C.CULLYER/ HOLLAND & SONS to the tops of two legs and the other bench stamped HOLLAND & SONS to the top of two legs.

Tattersall's, London

Overall good condition. Legs are sturdy. Both with dowels to four corner blocks, possibly to help reinforce structure. Some minor age cracks to legs and minor chips and wear to extremities. Solid and sturdy.
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.

These benches were made for, and stood in the "Subscription Room" of Tattersall's, the world famous bloodstock auctioneers in Knightsbridge.  Tattersall’s was founded by Richard Tattersall (1724-1795) in 1766.  He had been stud groom to the second Duke of Kingston and opened the first premises near Hyde Park Corner on the outskirts of London. Two "Subscription rooms" were reserved for members of the Jockey Club and they became the rendezvous for sporting and betting men. After the ninety-nine year lease expired, Richard Tattersall (1812–1870) great-grandson of the first Richard Tattersall moved the business to Knightsbridge in 1865.The firm of Holland & Sons first appeared in 1803 as Taprell, Stephen and Holland. The partnership then became Taprell, Holland and Son between 1835 and 1843 when it finally became Holland & Sons. William Holland, who took over as senior partner in 1843, was almost certainly related to the architect Henry Holland. The relationship between builder and cabinet maker is paralleled by another leading Victorian firm, Trollope and Sons. Their earliest known commission was to furnish the Athenaeum, 1824- 1838. They also worked alongside the firm of Thomas Dowbiggin at Osborne House, and eventually took over their premises and business at 23 Mount Street in 1851 and 1853 respectively.

Holland & Sons were the quintessential firm of Victorian cabinet- makers and their style developed over the period between 1851 and 1870, which saw many changes to furniture making in Britain. These changes were stimulated by the series of international exhibitions commencing here in London with the so-called Great Exhibition in the Crystal Palace and taking place in Paris in 1856, 1867, 1878 and 1889 and again in London in 1862.

Royal commissions included work at Buckingham Palace, Osborne House, Balmoral, Sandringham and Windsor Castle, and their records from 1864 to 1872 devote some eighty-eight double pages exclusively to Marlborough House.

Lastly, it is interesting to note that Holland & Sons exhibited at the 1878 Paris International Exhibition for which The Prince of Wales Pavilion was constructed being devoted to British art manufacturers and designers.  'In connection with furniture, it has been said with truth that both the Prince and Princess have ever since their marriage done their utmost to encourage home manufacture in every department and everything in Marlborough House may, broadly speaking, be said to be of British make' (Arthur H. Beavan, Marlborough House and its Occupants, Present and Past, London, 1896, p. 55).