Edward William Godwin (1833 - 1886) for William Watt

ebonised wood and stamped gilt and painted leather, the back rails in square and turned sections, centred by a backsplat with Aesthetic designs in leather, the turned legs joined by a periferal stretcher

An unusual chair in good overall condition. Old marks and scratches overall which contribute to the patina. Some indented scratching to the upper right, largely masked by the finish. Finish retouched in places and rubbed, especially to the edges, top rail and finials, as well as to the stretcher. Leather is a later replacement. Feet and lower legs with typical rubbing, knocking and scratching. Sound structural condition. Ready for use and display.
"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."

The design for this chair originates from Dromore Castle, which was commissioned from Godwin by the 3rd Earl of Limerick in 1867.  A similar chair also made by William Watt, with the same stamped leather upholstery, is in the collection of the Geffrye Museum, London, and one is illustrated in Susan Soros, The Secular Furniture of E.W. Godwin, New Haven, 1999, no. 125. It was still available in 1877, when it appeared in plate 11 of the Watt catalogue, as seen below.