Lot Essay
A related pair of 'Shell chairs richly inlaid with ebony in antique ornaments were invoiced in 1806 by Messrs. Morel and Hughes for the library at Weston Park, Staffordshire (P. Rogers, 'A Regency Interior: The Remodelling of Weston Park', Furniture History, 1987, fig. 3), while their pattern was described as 'Roman' in The London Chair-Makers' and Carvers' Book of Prices Supplement, 1808 (pl.1). A pair of chairs of the same pattern, inlaid with laurel-festooned palm-flowers, was sold from the collection of the late Miss Esmee Southey, in these Rooms, 17 November 1994, lot 106.