A pair of George II mahogany window seats circa 1755, in the manner of Thomas Chippendale

re-railed, one long stretcher partially replaced

Thomas Stapleton (d. 1821) for the original Drawing Room of Carlton Hall, thence by descent.

Catalogue of All the Furniture and Effects in Carlton Hall, Selby, 1854, p.52, recorded in The Library South Front, 'A 2 feet 5in. Mahogany window seat to match the Sofa frame & chairs with stuff'd ends & cover'd in Utricht velvet to match the fringes of the others.'

John Martin Robinson, 'Carlton Towers, Yorkshire', Connoisseur, September 1975, p. 48, fig.8 (the armchairs from the suite).

Mark Girouard, 'Carlton Towers', Country Life, 9 February 1967, p.281 (the armchairs from the suite).

There are slight differences ot dimensions due to differing upholstery. Both have been re-railed. One seat has the main rail missing and losses to both end short stretchers with one end stretcher possibly replaced. The other has a replaced section to the long stretcher.
"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 of the fret carved decoration and the form of the matching armchairs from this suite which originally comprised of twelve armchairs and two sofas in addition to the current pair of window seats, is characteristic of the work of Thomas Chippendale and his designs published in his The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director of 1754 notably the 'French' and 'Gothick' chairs illustrated in plates XVII and XXII.

Two pairs of armchairs from this suite were sold Christie's London, 8 July 1993, lots 31 and 32. The first lot was then subsequently sold in the sale of HSBC's Corporate Art Collection, Sotheby's New York, 21 October 2004, lot 24. The remainder of the suite had previously been sold Christie's London, 5 December 1991, lots 238 and 239 and Christie's London, 9 July 1992, lots 41-44.