Lot Essay
In 1779 John Gee replaced Thomas Ayliffe as partner to Benjamin Crompton who had been Turner in Ordinary to George III since 1762. From 1799 Gee, of 49 Wardour Street, Soho is listed in the London Directories and is called Chairmaker and Turner to His Majesty. He is not recorded after 1824, (see Dictionary of English Furniture-Makers 1660-1840, Leeds, 1986, p.334).
A set of six similar armchairs stamped with the monogram JG were sold in these Rooms from the collection of Thomas Dawson Esq, 11 April 1957, lot 67. The Dawson provenance is almost certainly the same as for the magnificent set of sixteen Regency mahogany dining-chairs stamped B.HARMER and sold in these Rooms, 11 April 1990, lot 83. Harmer's life is very obscure and a possible connection with Gee is an interesting addition.
A set of six similar armchairs stamped with the monogram JG were sold in these Rooms from the collection of Thomas Dawson Esq, 11 April 1957, lot 67. The Dawson provenance is almost certainly the same as for the magnificent set of sixteen Regency mahogany dining-chairs stamped B.HARMER and sold in these Rooms, 11 April 1990, lot 83. Harmer's life is very obscure and a possible connection with Gee is an interesting addition.