George II Style Carved Mahogany Long Stool or Bench by Henry Samuel

A circa 1890 English George II style long stool or bench commissioned by London dealer Henry Samuel having thickly carved cabriole legs in the manner of Daniel Bell and Thomas Moore with lion masks issuing acanthus leaves on hairy-paw feet. It is stamped twice to the underside corner-blocks 'H. Samuel 484 Oxford St, London'. Top of seat measures 36" x 18". An identical bench was sold by Sotheby's from the estate of Sir John and Lady Smith of Shottesbrooke Park, Berkshire, and illustrated and discussed in ‘Shottesbrooke Park, Berks., The Seat of Mr. Guy. O. Smith’, Country Life, 1 February 1913, p. 168; in 'Inventory of the Property of Guy O. Smith at Shottesbrooke Park, 1928, vol. I', as well as illustrated and discussed in 'The Dictionary of English Furniture, Vol. III', Edwards, Ralph, London, 1953, p. 176, fig. 46.

Biography:

English art and furniture gallerist Henry Samuel (fl. 1881-1913) of 484 Oxford Street, London, specialized in outstanding Georgian period furniture, in addition to commissioning impeccable bespoke examples most all of which he stamped. Pieces by Henry Samuel are rare and highly sought after for their quality of construction and authenticity of design.