A PAIR OF GEORGE III MAHOGANY SIDE CHAIRS

This pair of chairs reflects the fashion for Gothic Revival furniture in the 18th century, which reached its apogee with Horace Walpole's creation of Strawberry Hill and its interiors. The model is almost certainly derived from a number of contemporary sources including the first edition of Thomas Chippendale's Director, 1754, plate XXI, Robert Manwaring's The Chair-Maker's Guide, 1766, plates 14 and 29, and Genteel Household Furniture in the Present Taste, compiled by 'A Society of Upholsterers' for whom Manwaring designed many of the plates, 2nd edition. c. 1765, plates 14 and 15. Manwaring claimed that his designs were 'Originals, and not pirated or copied' and that 'There are very few designs advanced, but what he has either executed himself, or seen completely finished by others'. Concerning his patterns for this form of 'Gothick Chairs', he noted 'Some of them I have executed in mahogany'. A pair of related Gothic chairs sold Christie's, London, 9 July 1998, lot 70 (£76,300 inc. premium).