Lot Essay
These chairs are virtually identical (although lacking stretchers) to a set of eighteen 'India back' chairs supplied by Richard Roberts to George I for Hampton Court Palace in 1717 (see R.Edwards and M. Jourdain, Georgian Cabinet-Makers, rev.edn., 1962, p.126, pl.10). Another chair of this basic model is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (see R.Edwards, English Chairs, 1970, pl.42). Richard Roberts succeeded his father in 1714 at the sign of 'The Royal Chair' in Marylebone Street. His father was the chief supplier to the Royal Households of James II, William and Mary, and Queen Anne. Richard continued to supply to the Royal Household until 1729 (G.Beard and C.Gilbert, Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840, Leeds, 1986, pp.752-753).