A PAIR OF GEORGE II CARVED MAHOGANY OPEN ARMCHAIRS, CIRCA 1755

A PAIR OF GEORGE II CARVED MAHOGANY OPEN ARMCHAIRS, CIRCA 1755

the stuffed seats covered in contemporary gros and petit point needlework, on leaf carved cabriole legs front legs and outswept rear legs with brass and leather castors together with late 19th century fitted linen seat covers, en suite with previous lot

Condition Report:
Introductory General Comments:
This suite of seat furniture has almost certainly been at Spetchley since it was made, it has been used and played a part in a busy household and this wear shows, as to be expected, and is commensurate with age and use. There are obviously old marks and scratches and some minor chipping to carved detail and some chair arms are a little loose. There are some colour variations, again as to be expected, from light. There is evidence of old worm to inside seat rails under each seat – which is no longer active and these rails are stable. More notable condition comments are specified below. Any historic repairs appear to have been done in an ‘estate’ workshop over the centuries.

Sizes:
Generally with subtle/small variations the armchair sizes are as follows:
Overall - 98cm. High, 74cm. wide, 69cm. deep (taken at widest point)
Height of seat from floor. 41cm High.
Embroidered seat area (front to back) 55cm. by 67cm.

Chair 1. (right side of catalogue photograph):
Repair to top of splat with colour variation at this site and with approximately 2.5cm. of inserted fillet. Patched section 6cm to top rail. long to top rail to actual left of centre. Side front right bracket detached but present. Spliced repair to back left leg.

Chair 2. (left side of catalogue photograph):
Chips to top rail. Chip to end scroll or front leg bracket proper.

Embroiderey:

Faded colour overall, with areas of foundation textile support exposed, and lacking in small areas of some. Covers likely to have been removed and replaced at some point. Areas of repair, and areas around back legs with cuts and joins to fit, and fold over the stretcher in some. The area above the seat-rail has different levels of repair, distress, which is commensurate with being on front edge of the seat. The centre of the seats have more distress than other areas, especially the ground canvas around the central flower motif. Different areas of mustard ground now extant. They are particularly dirty, with some additional surface marks, and discoloured and are in need professional attention.

There are some large surface speckles, again of grey dirt, to one of seat covers, far right edge. Grey mark centre of lower edge and there are some areas of repair above seat – rail and foundation showing in some areas in centre. Thin edge at the back in better condition. Original mustard petit point ground present.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Provenance:
Probably acquired by Robert Berkeley (1713-1804)