A PAIR OF GEORGE III AMARANTH-INLAID SATINWOOD OPEN ARMCHAIRS by James Small of Piccadilly, each with cartouche-shaped padded back, downswept arms and seat covered in grey watered-silk, on roundel-headed square tapering legs and block feet with castors, restorations, with drilled holes to the front seat-rail and batten carrying-holes (2)

THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN

Details

A PAIR OF GEORGE III AMARANTH-INLAID SATINWOOD OPEN ARMCHAIRS by James Small of Piccadilly, each with cartouche-shaped padded back, downswept arms and seat covered in grey watered-silk, on roundel-headed square tapering legs and block feet with castors, restorations, with drilled holes to the front seat-rail and batten carrying-holes (2)

Provenance

Supplied on 19 July 1786 to Robert Buxton, Esq., M.P. for Thetford, for Shadwell Park, Norfolk
Acquired by the present owner in 1966

Literature

'The Connoisseur's Diary', The Connoisseur, June 1966, p.130

THE BILL
Robt. Bouxton, Esq. to James Small of Piccadilly 1786 July 19

2 Larg Handsom Caberal Chairs with/elbows made of Sattin wood alittle Inlaid, stuffed in Canvas & covr'd with your Needle work #5. 15. 6. a packing case for Do. contains 50' at 3 12. 6. Battan, screws, packed and backing, Booking at the Inn 3. 6.
#6. 10. 6. Recd. Oct. 12 1786 the contents to Jas. Small London, July 20 1786

Sir, Your 2 chairs was sent to the Inn the 19th of July & hope they will arrive safe & give satisfaction, which will be pleasing Intelegance to Sir, your much obligd & most obedient Humble Servant Js. Small

Lot Essay

This pattern of light-framed 'cabriole chair' with shield-shaped back and plinth-supported 'herm' feet became fashionable in the early 1780s, although an engraving was not published until the appearance of A. Hepplewhite & Co.'s Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Guide, 1788. This pair of drawing room chairs, with medallion-enriched crest-rails and trompe l'oeil fluted legs, was commissioned in 1786 by Robert Buxton, M.P. for Thetford, for Shadwell Lodge (now Park), Norfolk. It was supplied by James Small (d. 1795), upholder of 189 Piccadilly, and originally upholstered in needlework, which may have been worked by Mrs. Buxton. Small was a subscriber to Sheraton's Drawing Book

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