A pair of George III giltwood bergères circa 1770, attributed to Thomas Chippendale

the deeply curved padded back with acanthus cresting and husk border, padded down-scrolled arms and loose cushion over fluted rails, centred husk festooned paterae, on anthemion and acanthus carved cabriole legs

Acquired from Mallett & Son Ltd., London, 3rd July 1968.

Comparative Literature:
Christopher Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, London, 1978, 2 Vols, Vol. II, pl.197. p.114.

These elegant bergères, or armchairs, are in very good condition. They have been re-gilt and present some minor losses to gilding and small gilding cracks to joints on crest rail. There is some wear to carvings on arm ends as to be expected. They are upholstered in modern silk and reducing the volume of it on the upper back would improve its comfort.
"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."

This pair of bergères are a fine example of what Christopher Gilbert describes as the ‘uniform character’ of Thomas Chippendale’s neo-Classical designs from the 1770’s. The combination of motifs resonates closely with a suite of eight armchairs ordered for the library at Harewood House, circa 1771 (op. cit. pl.197. p.114). The acanthus cresting and husk border, classically fluted seat rail - centred on a tablet with paterae entwined with laurel garlands – and anthemion headed cabriole legs, all conform closely to the Harewood suite.

In addition to the stylistic affinities, these bergères also have the constructional characteristics of the workshop of Thomas Chippendale, including V-shaped notches to take glue cramps used for transporting the seat frames by sea or land.