Each with scrolling crest rail atop baluster-form splat, saddle seat with gros and petit point needlework slip seat resting on cabriole legs with shell-carved knees terminating in claw-and-ball feet, each stamped 'RW' to underside of back seat rail, one seat incised 'VII'
39³⁄₄ in. (101 cm.) high, 22 in. (56 cm.) wide, 23¹⁄₄ in. (59 cm.) deep

By repute, the Collection of Percy McQuoid.
Acquired from Apter-Fredericks, London, in 2005.

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Lot Essay

The present lot can be attributed to the Clerkenwell cabinet-maker Giles Grendey (1693-1780) by the style, quality and presence of the 'RW' stamp found on the underside of the back seat rail. Journeyman chair-makers in Grendey's employment appear to have regularly, if not routinely, initialed their work. The same stamp appears on a set of probably twelve walnut chairs and a settee attributed to Grendey. Of that set, six chairs (plus the unstamped settee) were in the collection formed by Viscount Leverhulme (d. 1925), four were acquired in 1975 by Noel Terry for Fairfax House, York, and a further pair was sold Christie's, London, 25 June 1981, lot 25 (L. Wood, The Upholstered Furniture in the Lady Lever Art Gallery, Liverpool, 2008, vol. I, no. 20, pp. 245 - 263). Another chair corresponding closely to Grendey's oeuvre and also bearing the 'RW' stamp was sold anonymously Christie's, London, 17 March 2011, lot 204 (£3,750 including premium).