A GEORGE IV OAK AND BROWN-OAK SOFA

This George IV Grecian sofa is embellished in the 'Antique' fashion, the top rail wrapped with acanthus, the reeded urns wreathed in Vitruvian scrolls. It corresponds almost exactly to a design by John Taylor, the Covent Garden upholsterer who had formerly served as an 'artist' in the 'Elegant Furniture Warehouse' established in New Bond Street by George Oakley (d. 1840). Taylor's 'Dress Sofa' pattern was published in the February 1821 edition of R. Ackermann's The Repository of Arts. The sofa is executed in British woods, and according to Ackermann his pattern was for a drawing-room sofa to be upholstered in British damask.
A related sofa, in oak, with provenance from Dalmahoy House, Edinburgh, was sold anonymously Sotheby's, London, 26 September 1997, lot 156 (£5,750 including premium). Another pair, executed in rosewood, was sold Sotheby's, London, 29 November 2000, lot 88 (£25,800 including premium).