The shield-shaped back was popularised by designs in A. Hepplewhite and Co., The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Guide, London, 2nd ed., 1789, pls. 5 and 6 (see: E. White, Pictorial Dictionary of British 18th Century Furniture Design, Woodbridge, 1990, p. 90). The beautifully curved fretted splat on these chairs evolved from the popular 'Grecian lyre' pattern. A more musical lyre splat features on a set of chairs at Temple Newsam, illustrated in C. Gilbert, Furniture at Temple Newsam House and Lotherton Hall, Leeds, 1978, vol. I, p. 96, no. 87.