CIRCA 1814, ATTRIBUTED TO TATHAM, BAILEY & SAUNDERS

These chairs, with stylised shou character (longevity) to the splat, form part of a suite of furnishings supplied to Mary, dowager Marchioness of Downshire (1764-1836) which has been firmly attributed to the celebrated London firm of Tatham, Bailey & Saunders. The suite formed part of the complete furnishings of the 'Chinese Room' the full scheme for which was almost certainly undertaken by the firm circa 1814 at Ombersley Court, Worcestershire. The room, with rich blue walls, was hung with 'Chinese' panels with conforming frames of simulated bamboo but perhaps the crowning glory of the room was the splendid window dressings, framed with matching 'bamboo' arches. The known suite of furniture consisted of an overmantel mirror, pier table and mirror, chaise longue, fire screen, eight chairs and foot stool. The attribution, which is published on BIFMO (British & Irish Furniture Makers Online) can be further substantiated by comparison with the known output of the firm, most notably with the closely related simulated bamboo chairs supplied to HRH George, Prince of Wales, for the Pavilion at Brighton in 1802, by the firm when in its earlier incarnation, Elward, Marsh & Tatham.
The dowager Marchioness, was a close intimate of the Prince of Wales, later HM King George IV, whom she entertained at Ombersley, and she would likely have been introduced to the firm via that route. Following the sale of Ombersley Court, the fire screen and carpet from this room has been generously given to The Victoria and Albert Museum with the chaise longue, two chairs and footstool being accepted for the collections of Leeds City Art Gallery, to be displayed at Temple Newsam.