A pair of Scottish late George III mahogany faux-bamboo corner armchairs , possibly by Young and Trotter, late 18th/early 19th century

with scrolled arms and close nailed leather seats

Probably William John Kerr, 5th Marquess of Lothian (1737 - 1815)

In good country house condition. One chair with a repair to the right arm and some signs of drying to the timber. The faux bamboo supports to the back rest with some signs of rubbing. The leather surface to one with a small tear and a further crack. With some old marks and scratches commensurate with age and use.
"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."

Interestingly there are several items of ebonised and gilt 'bamboo' furniture recorded in later 18th century inventories at Newbattle. There are also several items simply described as 'Bamboo' and in the 1777 inventory there are 'Two Bamboo Easy Chairs' (p.4) described in the Best Bed Chamber. And in the 'Dressing Room To Best Apartment' (p.5) a 'Bamboo Couch' and 'an Oval Glass, bamboo frame'. There was also a 'Chinese Bedroom' it is tempting to think that these chairs formed a part of the acquisition in 'Oriental' style pieces at the Abbey most probably by the 5th Marquess or Marchioness.

The unusual form of these corner chairs and table reflects the Scottish Chinese ‘Cockpen’ style of the late 18^th century. The table bears a striking similarity to a pair formerly in the collection of the Earls of Dumfries, illustrated Christie’s sale catalogue, 13 July 2007, lot 207. The Dumfries pair are attributed to ‘The Dumfries House Cabinet Maker’ as no bill for them is extant. However, given the considerable work undertaken at Dumfries house by Young and Trotter - for which they are credited with few pieces of furniture - and a known commission by them for a suite of ‘Chinese chairs’ for Mr and Mrs David Massey, circa 1775 (Illustrated F. Bamford, A Dictionary of Edinburgh Wrights and Furniture Makers 1660-1840, 1983, pl.46.). One can suppose that Young and Trotter were employed by Scottish patrons for Chinese style furniture and are likely to have executed these chairs and table.

Anon, Newbattle Abbey, published privately, [n.d but probably circa 1936] p.6; 'On the next floor the Chinese bedroom with its valuable old wallpaper and furniture preserves much of its original charm'.