Object Description
A superb French walnut Vernis Martin salon open armchair, Circa 1870 in date.
The shield shaped back painted with a scene of lovers in a garden, with rose decoration to the arms. With brass plaque for the renowned Victorian retailer Druce & Co., of London.
The seat has been reupholstered in sumptuous tan leather, by Moore & Giles, with individual brass studs.
The quality and attention to detail throughout is second to none.
Add a touch of unparalleled style to your home.
Condition:
In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned, waxed and reupholstered in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 104 x Width 57 x Depth 55
Dimensions in inches:
Height 3 foot, 5 inches x Width 1 foot, 10 inches x Depth 1 foot, 10 inches
Druce & Co of 68 Baker Street, Portman Square, London, were established in the 1840’s and were both cabinet makers and retailers of second-hand furniture. In the Marlebone Trade Directory of 1853, they described themselves as ‘Furnishers,Upholsterers and Upholders for clients of discernment’.
Vernis Martin
is a lustrous lacquer substitute widely used in the 18th century to decorate furniture and such personal articles as brisé fans, snuffboxes and clocks. The process of adding bronze or gold powder to green varnish was perfected by the French brothers Guillaume and Etienne-Simon Martin, hence its name “Vernis Martin”, as Vernis is French for varnish. It is said to have been made by heating oil, copal and amber and then adding Venetian turpentine and the Martin brothers perfected the process with inclusions in the varnish, sprinkling spangles of silver plated copper wire into the wet varnish ground. Highly praised by Voltaire, it was developed to imitate East Asian lacquerware which was being imported into France during the Louis XV period. Vernis Martin was made in several colours, green, black and a golden red being the most characteristic.
Our reference: A1612x