A set of eight Victorian giltwood chairs, third quarter 19th century, in the manner of Holland & Sons

each with a padded back and seat on square tapering legs, covered in silk damask

One illustrated, John Goodall, ‘Regency Revival’, Country Life, London, 10 February 2010, p. 60

A smart set. Upholstery generally good, some tassled fringe loose. Losses to gesso and gilding, some chips revealing gesso and timber at extremities. Rubbing and minor losses to carved detail.
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It is possible that these giltwood side chairs were produced by the Royal furniture-makers Holland & Sons. This is based on a suite of similar chairs designed by Alfred Stevens, produced by Holland for the Dining Room at Dorchester House in London. This was one of the grandest and most lavishly furnished houses of mid-19^th century London, commissioned by the great Victorian patron of the arts, Robert Staynor Holford. For chairs from this Dorchester set, see Sotheby's London, 5 June 2007, lot 242. Also compare with a pair of French style carved giltwood and gesso chairs sold Sotheby's London, Mark Birley, The Private Collection, 21 March 2013, lot 184. 

For related chairs see Christie's, London, The Nineteenth Century, 2 March 1995, lot 114