These chairs are of the same pattern as the House of Lords chair made by Gillows and Holland & Sons to A. W. N. Pugin's design (see: Victoria & Albert Museum Report: Furniture in the House of Lords, London, 1974, p. 13, pl. 1). In a letter of circa November 1850 from Pugin to J. G. Crace he writes ... Mr. Barry wants a Pattern Chair made for the Commons lobbies. His idea is a light but strong chamfered chair like the above sketch covered with green leather, and stamped on the back Will you get up one of them to Mr. Barry to see forwith. Of course the nails must show. Ever yours most sincerely A. Welly Pugin... (Victoria & Albert Museum No. E. 1501-1912)

Pugin not only visited Adare Manor in 1845 (A. Wedgwood, A. W. N. Pugin and the Pugin Family, London, 1985, p. 93/20), but provided a major contribution to the architecture of Adare Manor, although subsequently modified by P. C. Hardwick (discussed in Country Life, 15, 22 and 29 May 1969. Much of the furniture at Adare incorporates Puginian features (e.g. Christie's house sale, 9-10 June 1982, lot 799) and it is probable that these chairs were originally at Adare