Lot Essay
Both the sociable and the small chair in this lot belonged to Nancy Lancaster, born in Virginia and one of the most influential decorators of the 20th Century. She was a huge influence on John Fowler and the style of decoration and furniture arranging that they developed together remains a strong force in English decorating. Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire was her first major house in England, taken with her husband Ronald Tree for the hunting. Her last house was Haseley Court in Oxfordshire.
Chester Jones wrote of the Saloon at Haseley: 'The only acknowledgment to order is the large upholstered sociable, ruched, tufted and skirted in the palest sea-green silk, centred beneath the chandelier... This above all is a 'lived-in' room, one that is loved and used to the full'.
The unusual painted velvet on the seat of the small chair relates to stencilled American 'Theorem' pictures.
Chester Jones wrote of the Saloon at Haseley: 'The only acknowledgment to order is the large upholstered sociable, ruched, tufted and skirted in the palest sea-green silk, centred beneath the chandelier... This above all is a 'lived-in' room, one that is loved and used to the full'.
The unusual painted velvet on the seat of the small chair relates to stencilled American 'Theorem' pictures.