A pair of George II carved mahogany and limewood open armchairs circa 1760

each with an over-upholstered back with a serpentine crest rail above padded arm rests the square down-swept supports with panels of applied foliate and ruffled edged C-scrolls enclosing flower heads carved in limewood, the upholstered seats within conforming paneled seat rails with similarly applied limewood carved C-scrolls, foliate scrolls and flower heads, the square tapered legs also paneled with applied carved limewood foliate scrolls and graduated pendant flower heads, the block toes inset with carved flower heads.

Commissioned by Sir George Lyttleton , 5^th Bt., and 1^st Baron Lyttleton of Frankley (d. 1773), for The Gallery, Hagley Hall, Worcestershire

Thence by descent to John William Leonard Lyttleton, 11^th Viscount Cobham (1943-2006), at Hagley, by whom sold, Christie's, London, June 14, 2001, lots 52, 53

In "country house" and unrestored condition, the chairs are made from very fine mahogany, with applied carving in limewood which has oxidized to a soft golden/gray color. The mahogany has an old dry patination and it appears that the limewood carving was probably originally lightly varnished, and is now in a very dry state, that on the arms having a smoother "oiled" surface due to use than the legs. Overall there are a number of losses to the carvings, together with losses to the molded collars to the legs and toes which require a competent and sympathetic carver. The legs were originally fitted with sunken casters, the holes now being filled. The inner frames show signs of old worm damage. Some of the cross corner brackets are old replacements, but other than this, the chairs do not appear to have had any restorations since the 18th century. There are a number of tack-holes at the base of each arm which were obviously made when the chairs were incorrectly covered at some point; these need sympathetic in-filling. Height back 40 in. Height seat 17 1/2 in. Height armrests 26 in. Width seat 29 1/2 in. Depth seat 22 in.
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.