Pair of George III Neoclassical Hall Chairs, in the Manner of Mayhew and Ince

Object Description

A very fine pair of George III Mahogany Hall Chairs, of a rare shape and desirable large proportion, in the manner of Mayhew and Ince.

English, c. 1780

A rare pair of fine English George III Sheraton period mahogany hall chairs, of generous proportions, each having an oval reeded medallion back centred by a roundel, above a solid compass seat with moulded seat-rail, raised on turned tapering fore legs, terminating in bulb feet, and sabre rear supports. With their distinctive medallion-shaped reeded backs, the present hall chairs are designed in the George III ‘Roman’ fashion, introduced in the late 1770’s. This design is found on a set of armorial chairs dating from the 1770’s and attributed to the leading London firm of Mayhew and Ince, sold Christie’s, 21 June 2004, lot 54.

For a related pair, most likely from the same workshop, please see Christie’s, 21 May 2015, Lot 15.

Object History

The partnership between William Ince and John Mayhew (circa 1758-1804) is one of the longest lived of any 18th century firm, and their reputation as makers of the finest furniture is equal in rank to that of Thomas Chippendale and William Vile. Some of their more notable projects include the furnishings of Croome Court for the 6th Earl of Coventry, the extensive refurbishing of Burghley House for the 9th Earl of Exeter, and the prestigious order of several residences for the 4th Duke of Marlborough, to whom the firm dedicated its 1759-63 volume The Universal System of Household Furniture.

Object Literature

Christie’s, 21 May 2015, Lot 15.

Object Condition

Good original antique condition, pleasing colour and patination, minor historic restorations.

Object Details