A PAIR OF ORMOLU-MOUNTED, PARCEL-GILT AND EBONISED ARMCHAIRS

This pattern of Franco-Grecian chair is linked with the architect Henry Holland and the cabinet-makers Morel and Hughes and Marsh and Tatham, all of whom were employed by George, Prince of Wales, later George IV, at Carlton House, and consequently became fashionable among his circle of francophile friends. A related set of chairs with the same arm and leg pattern but with upholstered backs was supplied to Samuel Whitbread I for Southill, Bedfordshire, and a large suite of similar pattern was supplied to the 1st Earl of Harewood, probably for Harewood House, Hanover Square when alterations were carried out in the early 19th century.
A set of eight armchairs corresponding to this pattern, reputedly from Slane Castle, Co. Meath, was sold anonymously Christie's, London, 29 June 1978, lot 28.