Loveday Antiques Ltd

Description

Fine Regency George IV Period Simulated Rosewood and Brass Inlaid Library Bergere Armchair attributed to Gillows of Lancaster.

English circa 1825

Superb quality Regency George IV period faux rosewood and brass inlaid bergere library armchair, which has all the signs of the famous cabinet making firm Gillows of Lancaster and London. Upholstered in a hand dyed tan leather and of imposing scale, its sophisticated lines suggest that it was part of an important commission. The chair has a spoon shaped back and a cushion seat but the most eye-catching elements of the piece are the simulated rosewood ground and the wonderful brass inlay. The front rail has a panel of extremely fine scrollwork of large scale inlaid upon it but even more unusual is the use of inlaid wheel or roundel designs in the arm supports. These symbols are not part of the usual run of regency design tropes that makers might choose to adapt for a variety of projects and so it is likely that they were of some sort of significance to whoever ordered this chair, perhaps in a heraldic context or as the symbol of a club or society.

The chair has a number of features which are associated with the work of the firm of Gillows of Lancaster and London. The reeded front legs are something of a Gillows staple and though other firms also made use of this design, the particularly fine execution of the examples on the present piece certainly supports an attribution. In addition, the overall shape of the chair is familiar from other documented Gillows examples. See for example a pair of chairs believed to have been made by the London branch of the firm for the Marquess of Londonderry and sold at Christie's on the 20th of November 2008, lot 155, for £30,000 in the Dealing in Excellence sale-a celebration of the stock of the great dealers Hotspur and Jeremy. These chairs are of the same wonderful sculptural form as the present example but the decoration is carved rather than inlaid. Due to the workman's stamp HH on those examples it has been suggested that they were made by the London branch of the firm and it may well be the case that our piece also comes from that workshop. Other closely related bergeres were supplied to the Viscounts Camrose for Hackwood Park (sold at Christie's 20th-22nd of April 1998, lot 55, for £84,000) and another pair supplied to the Davison family for Beamish Park in County Durham were sold by order of Mrs Shafto at Christie's in 1995.

This fine bergere leathered armchair is a variation on these grand and important documented Gillows commissions and is a highly effective and desirable piece of furniture that will enhance any collection.

Dimensions
Seat height 19 1/2 inches - 49.5cm


Width: 30 1/2 inches - 78cm
Height: 39 1/2 inches - 100cm
Depth: 30 inches - 76cm
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 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.

FREE UK MAINLAND SHIPPING INCLUDED WITHIN THE PRICE.
(possible surcharge for remote areas of Wales and Scotland)

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

Email info@lovedayantiques.co.uk

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.