AN IMPORTANT PAIR OF GEORGE II CARVED GILT GESSO ARMCHAIRS circa 1740

each with a rectangular padded back with rounded corners above a padded seat, the padded out-scrolled arms with finely caved eagle-head terminals above incurved supports sanded and gilded within borders of flat scrolls, the curved  molded seat frame similarly sanded within strap-work moldings to the lower edge and centered at the front with a shaped pendant cartouche centered by a stylized molded foliate and cabochon ornament, the front cabriole legs headed by rising stylized  molded scallop shells above foliate pendants with C-scroll brackets all on a sanded ground, continuing to-claw-and-ball feet, the out swept cabriole back legs similarly ornamented and supported on stylized molded hoof feet.  Retaining the original gilt-brass nailed distressed green silk damask covers and upholstery and much of the original oil gilding and sanding.

Supplied to Sir Robert Walpole, later Ist Earl of Orford  (1676-1745) for the Marble Parlor at Houghton, Norfolk

Thence by descent at Houghton

The Collection of the Cholmondley Family, sold Christie's, London, December 8, 1994, lot 130

Both chairs have been sympathetically restored, the original gilding having been lightly cleaned with some touching-in on the worn areas to the arms and feet. The back toes with replaced losses. The chairs retain their original upholstery and gilt-brass nailing although the original silk covers are distressed overall with heavy losses to the back of one as seen in the illustration, and old restoration is apparent. The frames and carving overall show signs of old worm damage. An important pair of chairs in "country house condition."
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.

Described as the Great Dining Room in the 1745 inventory, The Marble Parlour was designed by William Kent and completed in the early 1730s with a great arched screen conceived in various variegated and colored marbles centered by a noble mantelpiece of sculptural form, inset with a relief of a Roman Sacrifice by Michael Rysbrack, and flanked by marble buffets with silver fittings above granite wine coolers. The present chairs, which are from an original suite of twelve armchairs and a settee, the iconography of the chairs, with Jupiter's attributes of eagles illustrated by the eagle head terminals to the arms, and the claw and ball feet are strangely unsuitable for a room whose decoration is based on the cult of Bacchus, including putti and gilded grape vines. The inventory of 1745 does not include any tables for dining, perhaps indicating that the original purpose of the room had evolved into that of a parlor used for casual entertainment.

Unfortunately, many of the household accounts were destroyed by Walpole, including those for the present chairs. The importance of the commission, together with the connection with William Kent, obviously indicates a cabinet maker within his circle such as William Bradshaw or Benjamin Goodison. The latter succeeded his master, James Moore in 1826 as The King's Cabinetmaker, collaborating with Kent on supplying much of the furniture for Windsor Castle and other Royal Palaces, and also at Holkham for the Ist earl of Leicester.

At the time of the sale of these chairs and other items of the original furniture from Houghton, it was feared that this sale signaled the first indications that the collection might be totally dispersed. However, it is now clear that the future of the House and its contents is secure, and in the immediate future no further sales are envisaged.