AN UNUSUAL GEORGE II WALNUT WING ARMCHAIR, CIRCA 1730

Acquired from Mallett & Son (Antiques) Ltd.

Of ‘wing’ form - although peculiarly without upholstery – the design of this intriguing chair appears to draw from a number of influences from early 18th century manufacture. The high back and exaggerated pierced scrolled arms recall the caned armchairs of the William and Mary period, whilst the ‘banister’ splat, cabriole legs and shaped stretcher derive from early Georgian chair design of the 1720s. Interestingly, the drop-in saddle seat is a hallmark of the ‘Windsor’ chair which rose to prominence in regional chairmaking throughout the 18th and 19th century.