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ID #SA1097108
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£2,550
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Antique Pair George III Polychrome Decorated Open Armchairs C1785 18th C
For sale by Regent Antiques
for sale €2,984     $3,239
£2,550
Regent Antiques

Regent Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2016
Browse dealers 669 items
  • About Us
    We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.
  • Trade Associations
    Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
Id #SA1097108
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Antique Pair George III Polychrome Decorated Open Armchairs C1785 18th C

18th century
For Sale by Regent Antiques
Description

A superb pair of George III polychrome decorated open armchairs, attributed to Gillows, Circa 1785 in date.

Each is superbly decorated with hand painted garlands, ribbon tied foliate trails, patera, bellflower pendants and demi-lune fan medallion. The chairs have shield shaped back with vertical medallion splats raised on square tapering front legs and splayed rear legs.

They are beautifully upholstered in a cream floral patterned and buttoned fabric.

Footnotes:

A virtually identical mahogany open armchair, albeit one with carved rather than polychrome detailing to its frames, is illustrated in S. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London, 1730-1840, Vol. I, 2008, Woodbridge, pl. 124, p. 165. A closely comparable design appears alongside, with the description: 'The five-splat chair with a 'camel back stay rail' made for Mrs Chadwick in December 1785'. This Gillows model was then published in the renowned cabinet maker's Estimate Sketch Books in January of the following year, Ibid, pl. 123, p. 165. A slightly more simplified version of this design, dated circa 1785, which is also directly related to the offered and aforementioned chairs is in Gillow Furniture Designs, 1760-1800, introduction and ed. by L. Boynton, 1995, Royston, fig. 260. This same drawing appears again in S. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London, 1730-1840, Vol. I, 2008, Woodbridge, fig. 1, p.134. This latter example is evidently one of a group of reproductions, also dating to circa 1785, taken from the 'Journeymen's Price Agreement' which is therein described as: 'Camel Back Stay Rail, 5 splat escutcheon or shield'.

There is no mistaking their beautiful and stylish design, which is certain to make them a treasured addition to one of the rooms in your home.

Condition:

In excellent original condition having only been beautifully wax polished in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 98 cm x Width 57 cm x Depth 53 cm

Height 45 cm - Seat Height

Dimensions in inches:

Height 3 foot, 3 inches x Width 1 foot, 10 inches x Depth 1 foot, 9 inches

Height 1 foot, 6 inches - Seat Height

Gillow & Co.

was originally founded in Lancaster in 1730. Gillow’s of Lancaster was a household name in Victorian Britain, and the firm exported furniture throughout the Empire. Key to the company’s success was the dynamic father and son team at its core.

The London branch was opened in 1775. Among Gillow’s most successful pieces during this period were those made in the Neoclassical style from original drawings by Robert Adam. In the period 1813-1820 the Gillow family gradually withdrew from personal involvement with the business.

In 1897 Gillow & Co. merged with a Liverpool firm and they henceforth traded as Waring & Gillow.

Our reference: A4130

Physical Dimensions
Height
98cm (38.58")
Width
57cm (22.44")
Depth
53cm (20.87")
Declaration

Regent Antiques has dated these George III Painted Armchairs to the 1750s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1097108
Dealers Internal Reference
A4130
Description
A superb pair of George III polychrome decorated open armchairs, attributed to Gillows, Circa 1785 in date.
“
Each is superbly decorated with hand painted garlands, ribbon tied foliate trails, patera, bellflower pendants and demi-lune fan medallion.
Regent Antiques

The chairs have shield shaped back with vertical medallion splats raised on square tapering front legs and splayed rear legs.

fig 1. A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats.
fig 1. Antique Pair George III Polychrome Decorated Open Armchairs C1785 18th C

They are beautifully upholstered in a cream floral patterned and buttoned fabric.

Footnotes:

A virtually identical mahogany open armchair, albeit one with carved rather than polychrome detailing to its frames, is illustrated in S. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London, 1730-1840, Vol. I, 2008, Woodbridge, pl. 124, p. 165. A closely comparable design appears alongside, with the description: 'The five-splat chair with a 'camel back stay rail' made for Mrs Chadwick in December 1785'. This Gillows model was then published in the renowned cabinet maker's Estimate Sketch Books in January of the following year, Ibid, pl. 123, p. 165. A slightly more simplified version of this design, dated circa 1785, which is also directly related to the offered and aforementioned chairs is in Gillow Furniture Designs, 1760-1800, introduction and ed. by L. Boynton, 1995, Royston, fig. 260. This same drawing appears again in S. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London, 1730-1840, Vol. I, 2008, Woodbridge, fig. 1, p.134. This latter example is evidently one of a group of reproductions, also dating to circa 1785, taken from the 'Journeymen's Price Agreement' which is therein described as: 'Camel Back Stay Rail, 5 splat escutcheon or shield'.

fig 2. A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats.
fig 2. Antique Pair George III Polychrome Decorated Open Armchairs C1785 18th C

There is no mistaking their beautiful and stylish design, which is certain to make them a treasured addition to one of the rooms in your home.

Condition:

In excellent original condition having only been beautifully wax polished in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.

fig 3. A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats.
fig 3. Antique Pair George III Polychrome Decorated Open Armchairs C1785 18th C

Dimensions in cm:

Height 98 cm x Width 57 cm x Depth 53 cm

Height 45 cm - Seat Height

Dimensions in inches:

Height 3 foot, 3 inches x Width 1 foot, 10 inches x Depth 1 foot, 9 inches

Height 1 foot, 6 inches - Seat Height

fig 4. A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats.
fig 4. Antique Pair George III Polychrome Decorated Open Armchairs C1785 18th C

Gillow & Co.

was originally founded in Lancaster in 1730. Gillow’s of Lancaster was a household name in Victorian Britain, and the firm exported furniture throughout the Empire. Key to the company’s success was the dynamic father and son team at its core.

fig 5. A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats.
fig 5. Antique Pair George III Polychrome Decorated Open Armchairs C1785 18th C

The London branch was opened in 1775. Among Gillow’s most successful pieces during this period were those made in the Neoclassical style from original drawings by Robert Adam. In the period 1813-1820 the Gillow family gradually withdrew from personal involvement with the business.

In 1897 Gillow & Co. merged with a Liverpool firm and they henceforth traded as Waring & Gillow.

Our reference: A4130

Height
98cm (38.58")
Width
57cm (22.44")
Depth
53cm (20.87")
Date of Manufacture

Regent Antiques has dated these George III Painted Armchairs to the 1750s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1097108
Dealers Internal Ref
A4130
Regent Antiques
Regent Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2016

We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Regent Antiques Profile Page

Trade Associations

Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

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A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats.
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Archive I A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats.

Antique Pair George III Polychrome Decorated Open Armchairs C1785 18th C

Archive II A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats. View II
Archive III A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats. View III
Archive IV A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats. View IV
Archive V A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats. View V
Archive VI A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats. View VI
Archive VII A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats. View IX
Archive X A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats. View X
Archive XI A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats. View XI
Archive XII A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats. View XII
Archive XIII A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats. View XIII
Archive XIV A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats. View XIV
Archive XV A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats. View XV
Enlarged Archival View
Location
Manor Warehouse
318 Green Lanes
London
N4 1BX
United Kingdom
Verified Since Sep 2016
Items For Sale 669
Items Sold 2,672
Regent Antiques
Regent Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2016
View Dealer Info
Location: Manor Warehouse, 318 Green Lanes, London, N4 1BX, United Kingdom
Verified
Sep 2016
For Sale
669
Sold
2,672
A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats.
Antique Pair George III Polychrome Decorated Open Armchairs C1785 18th C
Ref: SA1097108
A pair of late 18th-century George III open armchairs with shield-shaped backs, painted floral motifs, and cream patterned upholstered seats.
Detail View 1
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Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectArmchairs
  • Period18th century
  • StyleGeorge III
  • MaterialWood, Fabric, Paint
  • ColourDark Brown, Cream
  • MotifsShield back, Floral painted detail, Tapered legs, Curved armrests
  • SizeH 98 cm (39 in) x W 57 cm (22 in) x D 53 cm (21 in)

This pair of George III open armchairs dates from around 1785 and follows the English Country House style. Each chair is constructed from wood with a dark brown finish and polychrome decoration, featuring a shield-shaped back with vertical splats, curved armrests, and square tapering front legs. The seats are upholstered in a cream fabric patterned with small multi-coloured floral motifs and buttoned details. Hand-painted floral garlands, bellflower pendants, and fan medallions adorn the wooden frames. Each chair measures 98 cm high, 57 cm wide, and 53 cm deep. These armchairs suit placement as occasional seating in a living room, study, or drawing room. The design incorporates open arms and splayed rear legs to support daily seating use in domestic spaces. The timber framework displays a wax-polished finish alongside intricate hand-painted details. The cream-coloured upholstered pads provide a contrasting texture to the dark wood and painted surfaces.

George III polychrome decorated furniture originated in late 18th-century Britain, characterised by Neoclassical forms and hand-painted floral or classical motifs influenced by designers like George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton.

These armchairs were typically constructed from woods such as beech, satinwood, or mahogany, which were primed and hand-painted with mineral pigments before being fitted with woven webbing and natural horsehair upholstery.

Authentic pieces feature mortise-and-tenon joinery, subtle variations from hand-carved elements, natural paint craquelure, and wear consistent with age along the armrests and lower legs.

These armchairs serve as functional accent seating when placed on either side of a console table, in an entryway, or alongside neutral contemporary sofas to create visual contrast.

Clean the timber surfaces gently with a dry microfibre cloth, avoid applying harsh chemical polishes, and keep the furniture away from direct heat sources and sunlight to prevent paint flaking.
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