A PAIR OF GEORGE II CARVED WALNUT LIBRARY OPEN ARMCHAIRS, MID-18TH CENTURY, IN THE MANNER OF WILLIAM BRADSHAW |

covered in associated late 18th century French floral needlework, worked in wool and silk, and the further associated needlework on the arms worked in thicker wool, the downswept arms with acanthus scrolled terminals and rockwork, above a shaped apron carved with scrolling acanthus, C-scrolls and centred with foliate-carved scallop shells, on cabriole legs headed with cabochon on acanthus scroll feet with partially concealed leather castors

Acquired from Mallett & Son (Antiques) Ltd., London, 2000

A well-carved pair of armchairs in overall good restored condition and ready to place. Needlework is in overall exceptional condition. It is not original to the chairs, and was possibly originally in panel form, and then adapted to the chairs, and very professionally upholstered, with attention to the details around the arms and sides. The padded arms are covered in floral needlework, of different gauge and worked in thicker wools and are not from the same panel as the chair back and seat covers. The back of the chairs are lined with plain natural oat coloured textile panels, which are neutral colour palette and in very good condition being modern. Very striking textile upholstery and ready to use. Frames sound and sturdy. Both chairs with restorations to base of arms from previous close-nail upholstery. Minor chips and scuffs to peripheral carving consistent with age and use. One with repaired crack to front left foot and front left bracket at original construction joint. Evidence of filled old worm damage to back rail and other small areas. One chair with old repairs to cracks on both arms. This chair also with old repairs to rear feet and seat rail with repaired sections. Of impressive scale which stand well. Please consult the department for additional images.
"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 overall design of this pair of carved walnut library armchairs, with their luxuriant foliate detailing, recall the work of the Soho Square cabinet-maker William Bradshaw (1700-1775). His designs were notable for their proximity to French chairs, as opposed to the more English interpretations of French designs propagated and popularised by makers such as Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779). For a pair of parcel-gilt walnut armchairs, almost certainly from the same suite, see those sold Christie’s London, 21 January 1960, lot 43, and which were subsequently acquired by J. Paul Getty from A. Cook in the same year.  A further pair of giltwood chairs, again likely to have come from the same suite, sold Christie’s London, 20 November 1986, lot 21.

For a parcel-gilt mahogany side table attributed to Bradshaw, displaying a similar treatment to the carved elements - notably the boldly furled acanthus feet and the foliate and cabochon enriched frieze - see that sold Christie's London, 23 November 2006, lot 60.