A SET OF FOUR REGENCY WHITE-PAINTED OPEN ARMCHAIRS

The design of these armchairs can be attributed to the architect Henry Holland (d.1806) on the strength of a significant group of provenanced related chairs including four giltwood chairs commissioned around 1796 - 99 by William Lee Antoine for the drawing room at Colworth House, Beds, and, from 1796, four giltwood chairs for the wealthy brewer, Samuel Whitbread II for Southill House, Beds, (illustrated E.T. Joy, English Furniture 1800-1851, London, 1989, pp, 42, 44). An extensive suite of seat furniture of simulated rosewood and including armchairs of similar pattern was commissioned in the early 19th century by either Edward, 1st Earl of Harewood (d.1820) or his son, Edward 'Beau', Viscount Lascelles (d.1814) for Harewood House, Hanover Square, London, or for Harewood House, Yorks, while a similar armchair with a was sold from Woburn Abbey, Beds, Christie's house sale, 20/21 September 2004, lot 154.

Holland was arguably the finest architect of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, enjoying the patronage of numerous wealthy and informed clients. He was employed by the Prince Regent in creating the Royal interiors at Carlton House (1783-96) and Brighton Pavilion (1786-87), and as well as those mentioned above, was employed at Althorp, Northants, and Albany (formerly Melbourne House) London. Although he was not employed at Newby Hall, the chairs would have been appropriate for refurbished interiors created by Lord Grantham after he inherited the house from William Weddell in 1792.