It is possible that these chairs are Sicilian. The shape and decoration may be inspired by verre eglomisé chairs of about the same date that are also made in simulation of marble. The best-known examples of the type are those that were bought from Lenygon's by the Earl of Derby, circa 1910. Although the late 18th century date of those chairs is not doubted, it is no longer thought that they came from the Villa Palagonia at Bagheria, near Palermo but from a different commission (see: A. González-Palacios, 'The Prince of Palagonia, Goethe and Glass Furniture', Burlington Magazine, August 1971).
A set of four copies of the Derby set, probably made by Lenygon's in the early years of this century, were sold anonymously, in these Rooms, 27 May 1993, lot 181.