A Superb Set of Twelve Neo-Classical Revival Dining Chairs

Object Description

A Superb Set of Twelve Neo-Classical Revival Dining Chairs

A rare set of beautifully drawn proportions with two larger armchairs and ten of smaller scale, all carved from mahogany, rising from tapering and fluted ring turned front legs, with bands of palm fronds atop, and canted rear legs; the bowed front seat rails with conforming carving, which continues onto the outswept arms; the seats upholstered in a contemporary fabric; the elliptical backs carved with a running band of bay leaves, and housing addorsed anthemion fronds issuing from arched and ribbed pedestals.
English, circa 1905

Dimensions (larger): H: 41 in / 104 cm | W: 28 in / 71 cm
Dimensions (smaller): H: 38 in / 96 cm | 24.5 in / 62 cm

Object Literature

The design for these chairs dates back to the 18th century, and is often attributed to Robert Adam. Notably, a chair of this design is illustrated on a trade card, circa 1775, of Vickers & Rutledge of Conduit Street. Examples can be seen at Kedleston Hall and the Victoria & Albert Museum. The design proved popular and also features on a sketch made by Gillows in March 1785 held in the City of Westminster Archives.

Comparative literature:

Cescinsky Herbert. English Furniture of the Eighteenth Century. Vol II. G. Routledge & Sons 1911, p. 249.

Stevens Christopher Claxton and Stewart Whittington. 18th Century English Furniture : The Norman Adams Collection. Rev. ed. Antique Collectors’ Club, 1994, p. 72.

Tomlin, Maurice. Catalogue of Adam Period Furniture Victoria and Albert Museum. Victoria and Albert Museum, 1972, p.134.

Macquoid Percy. A History of English Furniture. Vol IV. Lawrence & Bullen Limited, 1938, fig. 102, showing a decorated painted version.

Object Condition

Excellent condition

Object Details