Set of Four Victorian Mahogany Hall Chairs by Holland & Sons

A rare set of four 19th century mahogany hall chairs by Holland & Sons of London. The squared shield shaped backs each with a vacant recessed oval panel above solid seats, raised on turned front legs and sabre rear legs, each stamped to the underside of the seat rails 'Holland & Sons' and with the journeyman’s stamp ‘Randall’.

More photos available on request.

Overall dimensions at the largest points are approximately

42.5cm wide x 47.5cm deep x 88.5cm high

(16 3/4in wide x 18 3/4in deep x 34in high)

Seat height - 44cm (17 3/8in)

Ref: 0734

It is unusual to find the name of the actual journeyman marked on furniture, however a set of 13 early Victorian Royal Interest dining chairs by Holland & Sons were also marked for the journeyman Randall and further stamped VR and GR V with the Royal Crowns.

Holland and Sons rose from their origins in the early 19th century to become, by the middle years of the 19th century, a rival to Gillow and one of the greatest English cabinet makers. The firm was first established as Taprell and Holland in 1803 by its two founders, Stephen Taprell and William Holland. Following a brief period in which the company was known as Taprell, Holland & Son c.1835-43, William Holland gained sole command after the senior partner Taprell's retirement. Thus, from 1843 onwards they were known as Holland and Sons, and were quick to obtain various exclusive commissions from important clients. Indeed by 1851, when the company was based in Mount Street and employed 351 people, Queen Victoria had already commissioned the execution of numerous exceptional pieces of furniture for the Royal households of Buckingham Palace, Balmoral Castle, Sandringham, Windsor Castle and Osborne House.

Throughout this time Holland & Sons were at the forefront of the movement for improvement in design as well as production of furniture and supplied pieces for various British and European exhibitions including the famous 1851 Great Exhibition. They were also the first firm to employ the now famous architect/designer Bruce J. Talbert, who had been associated with wood carving in his early work in Scotland

During the latter half of the 19th century, Holland and Sons also supplied furniture for such notable London clubs as the Athenaeum, the Reform club and the Oxford and Cambridge club. On top of furnishing a number of government buildings they also shared, along with Gillows, the commission for the new Houses of Parliament.

Today examples of their work can be seen within the Royal Collection and the V&A Museum.

When buying it is important appreciate antiques have long histories of daily use and as such, over time they gain minor scratches, marks, knocks, shrinkage splits, signs of old woodworm, lifts and losses to veneer, which combine with care and years of polishing to create an individual character and patina. We describe the main flaws and those that fall outside of this bracket but cannot describe each marks separately and therefore suggest you do take the time to request extra photos. We do offer a 14 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with your purchase but cannot refund the return shipping cost. If you are not sure please do not buy without clarifying or take the view that the only way to have it as near to new as possible is to have it fully and comprehensively restored.

For delivery we use a small carrier experience in carrying antique furniture. Delivery is usually within 31 days and the carrier will make arrangements with you directly. We can provide contact details of other carriers if required.