These hall chairs with thick mahogany seat and shaped back draw comparison to those produced by Gillows in the 18^th century. Rarely did hall chairs follow a specific model, with each suite designed and constructed based on the architecture of the room. In a description of a commission for Samuael Hibbert of Manchester Gillows describes a proposed suite of ‘solid mahogany without arms to them… with your crest properly coloured to paint the backs’. Further comparable suited include those by Gillows for John Christian (see S. E. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840, London, 2008, I, p. 200, pl. 145) and a related pair sold, 500 Years: Decorative Arts Europe, Christie’s, London, 21 January 2010, lot 111.

The crest of lion hands gripping a heart belongs to the Willis Family of Halsnead Hall Lancashire. In the year 1789, Richard Willis hired Sir John Soane in the redesign and improvement of the south front of Halsnead; indeed it is likely that these chairs were commissioned at the same date to decorate the new extended halls. The house remained in the family until 1929, on which date it was sold and subsequently, three years later, demolished.