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.
This pair of chairs reflects the fashion for Gothic Revival furniture in the 18th century, which reached its apogee with Horace Walpole's creation of Strawberry Hill and its interiors. The model is almost certainly derived from a number of contemporary sources including the first edition of Thomas Chippendale's Director, 1754, plate XXI, Robert Manwaring's The Chair-Maker's Guide, 1766, plates 14 and 29, and Genteel Household Furniture in the Present Taste, compiled by 'A Society of Upholsterers' for whom Manwaring designed many of the plates, 2nd edition. c. 1765, plates 14 and 15. Manwaring claimed that his designs were 'Originals, and not pirated or copied' and that 'There are very few designs advanced, but what he has either executed himself, or seen completely finished by others'. Concerning his patterns for this form of 'Gothick Chairs', he noted 'Some of them I have executed in mahogany'. A pair of related Gothic chairs sold Christie's, London, 9 July 1998, lot 70 (£76,300 inc. premium). Post Lot Text Please refer to the storage and collection terms as set out in the terms and conditions.
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You have agreed to be bound by the Conditions of Sale and if your bid is successful, you are legally obliged to pay for the lot you have won. The purchase price for a successful bid will be the sum of your final bid plus a buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes and any artist resale royalty, exclusive of shipping-related expenses.
Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
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 very good condition with some inevitable, marks, scratches, small losses and repairs in areas, all as to be expected with age and use. The upholstery in very good order. Very small amount of old inactive wood worm holes to the rails underneath. Later glue blocks underneath seat. To both chairs there is a repair to to the facing of the top of the front legs, approx. 1 in, likely just from upholstery tack damage.
A: Base of back legs with 19 cm replacement, the stretcher consequentially reattached and possibly replaced, the front rail replaced. A repair to the front right guttae foot. B: Some glue residue where the stretchers meet the legs. An ink number to one corner bracket '11/02/000'. Repaired shrinkage to the shoe at the back. The front seat rail capped.
These chairs are structurally sound, an attractive design and ready to be placed and used.
For further information on this lot, please contact the Sale Coordinator, Carmel Shayle on cshayle@christies.com.
Cost calculator
Lot 12Sale 19560
CIRCA 1760A PAIR OF GEORGE III MAHOGANY SIDE CHAIRSEstimate: GBP 4,000 - 6,000
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