ATTRIBUTED TO PAUL SAUNDERS, CIRCA 1755

This armchair can be attributed to the London cabinet- and tapestry-maker, Paul Saunders (1722-71) based on the similarity of the carving of the cabriole legs to that of seat-furniture by Saunders at one of his most celebrated commissions. Two sets of dining-chairs at Holkham Hall, Norfolk, supplied by Saunders between 1755-58 to Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester include virtually identical carved acanthus foliage encircled by a crown or band, framed by ‘C’ scrolls and flanked by small acanthus leaves. The ‘encircled acanthus’ probably derives from furniture by Saunders’ former business partner, William Bradshaw (1728-75); see the cabriole legs on a giltwood side table and cabinet stand, circa 1730, supplied to Philip, 2nd Earl Stanhope for Chevening House, Kent. This carving was also used in a more rudimentary manner by Wright & Elwick of Wakefield; Richard Wright (1745-71) probably worked for Saunders as a director of ‘The Royal Tapestry Manufactury, Soho Square’. This motif is also seen on a mahogany sofa attributed to Saunders sold Rooms As Portraits: Michael Smith, Eaton Square; Christie's, London, 18 September 2018, lot 46 (£35,000 inc. premium).