A pair of George III carved oak and caned 'Gothic' window seats, circa 1800, in the manner of James Wyatt

each armrest painted with the family crest of the Barker-Conyers

Formerly in the collection at Clare Priory, Suffolk and probably supplied to Lt Colonel John Barker and his wife Caroline Conyers for the North Gallery in circa 1803

In overall good conserved condition and ready to use. Surface has been re-varnished at some point. The painted shields have had some decoration refreshed but there is signs of flaking and one is noticeably distressed but stable. The baton supports to the underside have probably been replaced and there are signs of consolidation to joints - which are sound and sturdy - including re-blocking and the front seat rail of one with later baton as a consequence of re-caning. Both seats re-caned. There are some signs of minor restoration to the pierced decoration and several of the craved trefoils have been re-attached. With some signs of old worm which is no longer active. Feet scuffed and with losses to polish. Generally with minor old marks and scratches commensurate with age and use. A very smart pair of benches.
"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."

These superb oak benches, with their cluster-column supports, trefoil and quatrefoil motifs, epitomise the refined Gothic style popularised by the architect James Wyatt (d. 1813) who remodelled Windsor Castle for George, Prince Regent, later King George IV in the Gothic taste.

The painted crest is that of the Barker-Conyers of Clare Priory, Suffolk. The Barkers and their kin were longstanding owners of the Priory and there are numerous other crests in the windows of the oratory bearing the muzzled heads of the Barker family crest. Caroline Conyers and Lt Colonel John Barker moved into the Priory shortly after their marriage in 1803 and it is likely they commissioned the benches and other items of Gothic inspired furniture around this time. Eventually, descendants of the Barker-Conyers enabled the Austin Friars to return to the Priory in 1953, to what had been the order's very first foundation in 1248.

The use of oak as the principle timber was an unusual choice for the period. Typically reserved domestic items, it is however, coupled with the prie-dieu style armrests, perfectly in keeping with the ecclesiastical setting of the Priory. There are other notable oak examples from around this date. A related suite of chairs possibly designed for the Gothic Library at Carlton House and thought to be by Wyatt are also carved in oak in circa 1805, examples of which are in the V&A (W.151-1978). Earlier still are a set of Gothic chairs supplied by Gillows for the Grand Dury Room in the Shire Hall, Lancaster Castle in 1801 (see Susan Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840, China, 2008, Vol. 1, p. 205).