A Regency black painted and cane 'Montgomery pattern' settee, circa 1810, after a design by Gillows

the black frame with ebonised and gilt-line painted decoration, the back with three cane lunettes and segments painted with cherubs within trompe l'oeil beaded borders, the bowed seat with replaced cane, with a gummed paper label to the underside stamped 'CHATSWORTH', with a red gingham covered squab cushion

The Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth, The House, London, 2002, p. 161, illustrated in the Duchess' Bedroom at the foot of her bed;
Charlotte Mosley, The World of Interiors, ‘Debo’s Delights’, September 2010, p. 86, illustrated in the Prince's Bedroom.

This elegant settee has as some estate repairs and is generally in good order. The underside features evidence of these repairs in the form of old glue and later nails. There is evidence f old worm. The settee appears to be re-touched and there is some repainting. The neo-classical decoration though appears undisturbed by this later painting.
"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."

The distinctive pattern of this settee with conjoined lunette cane back relates closely to a drawing by Gillows from circa 1802 (Westminster Archive Centre). It is not known where the term 'Montgomery' comes from, but it is this design to which his name is attached. The Gillows drawing appeared before similar engraved designs in Thomas Sheraton's Cabinet Maker Dictionary of 1803. For related examples and the original drawing reproduced see, Susan Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London, 1720-1840, Woodbridge, 2008, pp. 206-208.