Lot 72
  • 72

A pair of George III giltwood armchairs circa 1780, attributed to B. Harmer

Estimate
7,000 - 9,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • giltwood, upholstery
the arched gadrooned toprail with two finials on twisted fluted supports, regilt

Condition

In good conserved condition. The chairs have been regilt and have some minor losses to the new gilding. With some old marks and scratches throughout. Both with a green upholstered cushion. Ready to place.
"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."

Catalogue Note

These chairs are attributed to B Harmer, a prolific chair-maker who supplied pieces of fine quality in the period 1790 to 1810. These include the celebrated suite of carved giltwood dolphin seat furniture for the music room at Powderham Castle, attributed to Marsh and Tatham and executed by Harmer, the hall chairs at Petworth and an X-framed mahogany armchair after a design by Thomas Hope in Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, 1807. (see C. Gilbert, ed., Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840, Leeds, 1996, pp. 258-259, pls 474, 475, 479 and 480). Another giltwood armchair very similar to these chairs is illustrated in (Gilbert, op. cit., p. 257, fig. 471). 
Harmer's record of commissions to leading patrons during this period indicates that he managed an efficient business, often executing to order on a sub-contract basis. 
The design for these armchairs is based on an amalgagam of elements for an engraving of two `Drawing Room Chairs' illustrated in Thomas Sheraton's The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Drawing Book, 1793, Appendix, plate VI.