AN EARLY GEORGE III WALNUT AND PARCEL-GILT SIDE CHAIR
POSSIBLY IRISH, AFTER A DESIGN BY INCE AND MAYHEW, CIRCA 1765
Important information about this lot
Price Realised USD 60,480
Estimate
USD 6,000 - USD 10,000
Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
Closed: 25 Oct 2022
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AN EARLY GEORGE III WALNUT AND PARCEL-GILT SIDE CHAIR
POSSIBLY IRISH, AFTER A DESIGN BY INCE AND MAYHEW, CIRCA 1765
The design for this chair was published as plate LV in the pattern-book, Universal System of Household Furniture, by celebrated London cabinet-making partners William Ince (d. 1804) and John Mayhew (d. 1811). Beginning around 1759, Ince and Mayhew began serially publishing their furniture designs for subscribers, ultimately compiling them into a comprehensive folio which was published in 1762. They were directly competing with Thomas Chippendale's The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, the third edition of which was also appearing serially around the same time. Pattern-books like these were intended for both 'the choice of the gentleman' as well as for the 'use of the workman'. In other words, they provided a selection of designs for patrons to choose from when commissioning specific pieces to be made for their residences, and they also served a source of inspiration or direct guide for cabinet-makers to use when making furniture. The beautiful naturalistic carving of this chair, along with the use of walnut, rather than mahogany, for the primary wood and the use of elm for the seat-rails supports the strong possibility that this chair was produced in an Irish workshop. Given the wide circulation of Ince and Mayhew's designs, the maker of this chair could have been a subscriber, or perhaps fulfilling a commission for a patron who subscribed to the pattern-book.
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Condition report
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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Overall in a well maintained condition, structurally secure and ready to use. The parcel gilding with minor rubbing and chips so that the bole and gesso are apparent in areas. With the inevitable dents, marks and scratches consistent with age and use. Minor separation at the joints. Some small repairs to the carving, such as to the leaf tips to the seat frame. With minor signs of old wood worm to the rails, which have signs of an old wash treatment. A repaired break to the front right ankle, with a plugged repair hole to the reverse, a repair to both back tenons, the front rail with central reinforcement, and regluing to the foot. Further repairs to the back right foot. Formerly with casters. The fabric delicate, and with expected wear, particularly to the green ground and pattern in the front third of the seat. With some further threadbare sections to the green ground. The yellow trellis pattern with some threadbare areas and areas of restoration.
Complete dimensions: 401⁄2 in. (103 cm.) high, overall 171⁄4 in. (44 cm.) high, the seat 26 in. (66 cm.) wide, overall 223⁄4 in. (58 cm.) wide, the seat 22 in. (56 cm.) deep, overall 153⁄4 in. (40 cm.) deep, the seat
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Lot 1585Sale 20868
POSSIBLY IRISH, AFTER A DESIGN BY INCE AND MAYHEW, CIRCA 1765AN EARLY GEORGE III WALNUT AND PARCEL-GILT SIDE CHAIREstimate: USD 6,000 - 10,000
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