A George I giltwood armchair, circa 1720, in the manner of James Moore

the seat covers with French 18th century needlework, worked in polychrome wool and silk, in gros-point tent stitch needlework with 'bizarre' design, which incorporates exuberant flowers, rows of unusual flowering seed pods and stylised motifs, against a dark terracotta coloured ground, with later complimentary needlework covered padded arms

Frank Partridge, New York, 10 May 1930;
Acquired by Henry Francis du Pont for 280 Park Avenue, New York and later moved to the Main Hall, H. F. du Pont House, Delaware;
Christie's, New York, Fine English and French Furniture and Objects of Art from the Private Residence of Henry Francis du Pont at Winterthur, 14 October 1994, lot 56 ($90,500).

A beautiful and impressive chair in overall reasonable conserved condition. The right hand arm rest is slightly loose but secure to the seat. The left hand arm support has evidence of an old spliced repair. Both arm rest are rubbed as to be expected and have lost much of their gesso decoration. The legs and frieze seat rails also have losses and chips to the gesso which has flattened in areas. The feet with further chips and losses as to be expected from age ad use. Needlework would benefit from a clean, as it is dirty. Small areas of repair generally. The needlework on the arms is later. There are section around the edges of the panels which are later additions, for example to left and right of back and to the edges and rear and front of seat. There are some pulled threads at the front of the seat. They are in professionally restored condition and are in usable condition.
"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."

In the early 20^th century there was a high demand for rare pieces of English furniture of a high calibre in the United States. It should therefore come as no surprise that this dramatic and chic armchair formed part of the private collection of Henry Francis du Pont (1880 – 1969). Amongst the many attributes du Pont possessed he had a keen interest and knowledge on both American and English Furniture. His legacy is, in part, remembered through his collection of American Decorative arts left in his former private residence at the Winterthur Museum, Delaware. So respected was du Pont in this fashion that Jacqueline Kennedy asked him to assist with the renovation of the White House, 1961 – 1963. The 1994 sale of du Pont property comprised the majority of his apartment in central Manhattan, occupied in 1922. Here is where the bulk of his European collection was kept; including Chippendale chairs, Dutch landscapes and Renaissance European furniture.

The present chair would have been ideally suited to the stylish sixth floor Park Avenue home, amongst other first rate needlepoint furniture. Adopting the French ‘Antique’ style it is in both design and make most associated with the work of George I’s cabinet maker James Moore (c. 1670 – 1726). Moore was one of the most celebrated makers of the day and completed several highly important commissions including Blenheim Palace for Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (1660 – 1744) and Cannons for James Brydges, 1^st Duke of Chandos (1673 – 1744). The ribbon scrolling leaves and husks within the rich gilt work on the arms, frieze and cabriole legs are endemic of Moore’s works. A pair of upholstered stools, attributed to Moore, display very similar carving skills and decoration - formerly in the collection of the Earls of Wilton and sold Sotheby’s London, 29 November 2000, lot 31. Furthermore a suite delivered to Erthing Park, Denbighshire, by John Belchier (d. 1753), who was Moore’s sometime partner, shares highly similar design – especially the acanthus wrapped knees, see Edwards, R., The Dictionary of English Furniture, Vol I, 1954, p.260, fig. 104.