George II Giltwood Sofa on Lion Mask Hairy Paw Feet Possibly by Giles Grendey

An Exceptionally Fine and Important George II Period Giltwood Settee / Sofa, Possibly by Giles Grendey or William Bradshaw

English Circa 1740.

This exceptionally well drawn and important settee is of the finest quality made from solid walnut which has been gilt. Of camel back shape with deep, outscrolling arm supports decorated with giltwood scrolling foliage. The seat rails with fine egg-moulded apron running between the bold lion mask knees and hairy paw feet connected by finely-shaped cabriole legs. In fine condition the giltwood of the sofa has been cleaned and refreshed showing signs of period gilt work beneath the surface, having been re-upholstered it is now ready for is finishing material.

Although of a form often called "Kentian" in the trade due to the formative influence of the designs of William Kent, this piece also incorporates some very early rococo features. The carved detail on the front faces of the arm supports incorporate some rocaille detailing and the way that foliage is carved is extremely naturalistic and very different to the stiff depictions of flora encountered on the pieces directly related to Kent and his commissions.

The settee relates very closely to a pair of settees sold from the S. Vernon Mann collection at the American Art Galleries on the 29th and 30th of January 1932. These settees were made for Wentworth Castle, one of the most important houses in the 18th century but sadly tragically under-recorded. Very few interior photographs of the castle before the last of the contents were sold in 1948 remain in the public domain. As can be seen from a close comparison of the Wentworth Castle settees to our piece the lion masks are clearly in the same distinct style, as are the large scale carving along the front and side seat rails and the ear pieces joining the masks to the rails. There is a possibility, therefore, that this settee was once part of the suite at Wentworth Castle as well.

As far as the maker of the piece is concerned, there are two related suites of furniture at Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, supplied in c.1740, with details which relate to our piece. A suite of side chairs are attributed to the great Giles Grendey and certainly the fine proportions and exceptional carving on our settee could have been produced by that maker, along with the fact our settee was carved from walnut. One of the side chairs can be seen here

https://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/108625

Perhaps even more intriguing, however, is another giltwood settee and side chair suite at Kedleston by the London maker William Bradshaw

https://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/108623

The lion masks on this suite, which was originally veneered but gilded slightly later in the 18th century, are certainly of comparable form and the carving of comparable quality once again.

This is an outstanding and important piece of 18th century furniture that would enhance any fine collection.

Seat Height 18 inches - 46cm

Width: 58 1/2 inches - 148cm

Height: 37 inches - 94cm

Depth: 34 inches - 86cm

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.

Please contact us for location and appointments.

Telephone: 01438 869 819

Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.

If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment

We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.