A SET OF SEVEN GEORGE III POLYCHROME PAINTED DINING CHAIRS, IN THE MANNER OF GILLOWS, CIRCA 1810

A SET OF SEVEN GEORGE III POLYCHROME PAINTED DINING CHAIRS IN THE MANNER OF GILLOWS, CIRCA 1810To include two armchairs, of slightly varying proportions the side chairs approximately 91cm high, 47cm wide, 47cm deep overall Provenance: Supplied to John Leicester, 1st Baron De Tabley (1762-1827) for his London house in Hill Street, Berkeley Square or Tabley House, Cheshire; thence by descent to the present vendors and latterly at Davenport House, Bridgnorth, Shropshire Illustrated: Photographed in situ in the former Entrance Hall of Tabley House, Cheshire for the article in Country Life 28 July 1923. Image also reproduced Hussey (C) - English Country Houses Mid Georgian 1760-1800, ACC edition, vol II, 1988 fig. 97 The design of these chairs, following closely that of Gillows 'Clifton's pattern' a set made for John Clifton of Lytham Hall in 1796 was also supplied to other Lancashire gentry (see Stuart (S E) - Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840, 2008, vol I, pp. 196-7). Gillows certainly supplied furniture to the 1st Baron de Tabley, as did other furniture makers of the period. The maker's stamp 'IH' is recorded on the seat rail of two of Gillows feather and drapery pattern chairs of the late 1780's and others throughout the 1790's. Three Gillows workmen shared the same initials, the most likely maker perhaps John Harrison, who is recorded as making "numerous chairs for Gillows". Although much overpainted, Gillows painted chairs in a similarly distinctive green palette are known (Stuart, op cit, plates 116-8 and vol II, pp250-1)Condition Report: All chairs with marks, knocks, scratches and abrasions commensurate with age and use. Old chips and splits. All chairs with evidence of old worm. Painted surface with expected wear, flaking and losses.All seats in tired condition with some more distressed than other - see images. Some opening and shrinkage cracks to joins. All chairs structurally solid overall. Chairs of slightly varying proportions to one another. The two armchairs are related but vary from one another in various elements of their designs. Please refer to additional images for visual reference to condition. Condition Report Disclaimer