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Lot Essay
The distinctive lion-mask carving of this pair of armchairs is similar to that found on an armchair reputedly supplied by the cabinet and chair-maker John Bradburn for the Royal Pew at St Martin's-in-the-Fields. From 1764-1777, Bradburn held the Royal Warrant of 'Upholsterer to his Majesty and Cabinet-Maker to the Great Wardrobe' and would have been the prime candidate to have supplied such a chair for the Monarch's use in St Martin's. A closely related pair of armchairs was sold by Sir John Ramsden, Bt., Christie's, London, 23 May 1932, lot 71 (£194).
The richly-carved profile of lion's head at the top of the legs is similar to that found on 'The Chichester Suite of Seat-Furniture' supplied to Charles Chichester, for Hall, Barnstaple, Devon, circa, 1740 and sold by his descendant, Sotheby's house sale, 11 November 1996, lot 53 (£194,000).
The richly-carved profile of lion's head at the top of the legs is similar to that found on 'The Chichester Suite of Seat-Furniture' supplied to Charles Chichester, for Hall, Barnstaple, Devon, circa, 1740 and sold by his descendant, Sotheby's house sale, 11 November 1996, lot 53 (£194,000).