A fine pair of George III giltwood window seats Circa 1775 , Manner of Mayhew and Ince

Re-gilt.

Overall good condition; re-gilt; one window seat appears possibly to have a replaced front left foot or replaced front left leg - it is impossible to determine as the gilding is consistent with the other legs; the rails with some ares of old worm, now filled in; some wear to gilding with some minor chips; structurally sturdy.
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 present window seats with their flower-head patera alternating with the fluting to the seat rails as well as the husk-carved armrest supports terminating in a scroll is almost identical to a painted armchair at Broadlands, now in the dining room, which must have been part of a much larger suite (Roberts, op. cit. p. 288, fig. 4).  It is interesting to note that Mayhew and Ince were working at Broadlands from 1765-74 and then again from 1788-92 and may have supplied the seat furniture.  Interestingly, the present seats share similarities to another one of Mayhew and Ince's commissions, namely the seat furniture in the Tapestry Room at Croome Court, supplied to George William, 6^th Earl of Coventry in 1769, the room being designed by Robert Adam and hung with tapestries specifically ordered from the Gobelins manufactory (Peck et al, op. cit. pp. 156-167).  The overall form of the legs with their large stiff-leaf carved upper part and the large reeded foot is similar to the legs on this suite of furniture.  Interestingly a design by Robert Adam of the Drawing Room at Northumberland House includes a suite of seat furniture with spiral legs similar to the legs on the present seats (Harris, op. cit. no. 66); furthermore, the firm of Mayhew and Ince were supplying furniture to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland between 1772-73.

See:

Eileen Harris, The Furniture of Robert Adam, London and New York, 1973

Amelia Peck et al., Period Rooms in the Metropolitan Musuem of Art, New Haven and London, 2004

Hugh Roberts, 'The Ince and Mayhew Connection, Furniture at Broadlands, Hampshire-I,' Country Life, January 29, 1981