Important Pair of Georgian Gilt Armchairs

An important pair of George III gilt wood armchairs attributed to John Linnell, the oval backs with elaborate ribbon carved crests over ribbon bound reeded frames, the open padded arms with scroll carved handholds with longleaf carved tops, the generously proportioned seat rails and cabriole legs also having ribbon bound reed carving, all in richly burnished water gilding.
Chairs of similar form were commissioned from John Linnell and several drawings survive, although these chairs are unique in their overall treatment. Similar arms can be found on other known chairs by Linnell and the bound reed motif is reminiscent of the earlier suite commissioned Osterley Park, that example with heavier treatment on larger framed chairs using acanthus, rather than the more neoclassical ribbon, as binding. Another example similar to the above was made for the Duke of Northumberland for Alnwick Castle. Sketches in the Victoria and Albert Museum also show similar motifs.
Now upholstered in Suzanne Tucker Home "Irene" cut velvet.