AFTER A DESIGN BY A. W. N. PUGIN | Gothic Revival Settle

with the Salvin family crest

Probably acquired by Francis Henry Salvin (d.1904) for Sutton Place after he inherited the estate in 1857.

Impressive.. Dragons tail of crest chipped (old). Various old marks and scratches. Repaired fracture to cresting. Evidence of old worm. Some fragmenting to underside. Natural separations to joints. Later seat cushion.
"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 the relief carved back panels relate to a 15th century fragment which was in Pugin's own collection and is now with the V&A in London, see Atterbury and Wainwright, Pugin: A Gothic Passion, London, 1994, fig. 190. The overall design of the present lot relates to a form drawn by him in 1835 which was published by Ackerman (A.W.N. Pugin, Gothic furniture in the style of the 15th cent'y, London, pl.15). It is likely the piece was made by a local craftsman with access to Pugin's 1835 book of designs rather than one of the more commercial cabinetmakers the designer used such as Crace or Holland. The bench bears an inventory mark for Sutton Place, near Guildford. This great Tudor Mansion was inherited by Salvin from his uncle John Webbe-Weston. The house was largely tenanted during Salvin's time. He was a fascinating character, an Antiquarian, authority on Falconry (so the Antiquity of Sutton Place must have appealed), trained pet otters to follow him like dogs and had a pet pig called 'Lady Susan' who wore a silver collar and bell.