A PAIR OF GEORGE IV ROSEWOOD SOFAS CIRCA 1825

each padded rectangular backrest above a loose-cushioned seat flanked by foliate-carved tapering and padded sides, the molded seat rail raised on tapering turned and reeded legs on casters.

The late Captain E.G. Spencer-Churchill, M.C., Northwick Park, Blockley
Sold Christie's, London, September 28-30, 1964, lot 27

Sold, Christie's, London, April 11, 1985, lot 18

HSBC's Corporate Art Collection

Sold, Sotheby's, New York, October 21, 2004, lot 8

Overall very good restored condition, nice color, each foliate-carved front lacking 2" scrolled return at join of seat rail, small patch to seat rail below, old maks and scratches. Small loss to top of left front side of one sofa.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Northwick Estate was purchased in 1683 by Sir James Rushout at which time an earlier house was completely remodeled and extended, possibly under the influence of the architect William Talman. Further remodeling was carried out in 1728-1730 by Sir John Rushout from designs by Lord Burlington, further work being done on the house by the architect John Woolfe in 1778. Following a fire, further remodeling work took place in 1828 - 30, a large gallery being added by the then Lord Northwick in 1832 to house the family's extensive collection of pictures. George-Spencer Churchill inherited the house and collection from the last Lord Northwick.

The present sofas probably date from the remodeling of the house in the late 1820's, their form being related to a design of Thomas Hope, Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, 1807, pl. XVIII, no. 5, for a 'Settee belonging to the Lararium', and of Peter and Michael Angelo Nicholson, The Practical Cabinet-Maker, Upholsterer and Complete Decorator, 1826; see E. White, Pictorial Dictionary of British 19th Century Furniture Design, 1984, p. 292.