Lot Essay
These armchairs, with their giltwood frames in the Louis XVI 'antique' manner, typify the fashionable goût expounded in the 1780's by George, Prince of Wales, later George IV and relate to the documented oeuvre of the Parisian-trained emigré menuisier François Hervé (fl. 1781-96) of John Street, London. A partner of John Meschat, 'Cabinet and Chair maker', Hervé enjoyed the patronage of the Prince of Wales and was employed at Carlton House between 1783-94 under Henry Holland's direction.