An exceptional early 19th century Regency period open armchair, of well-shaped Klismos outline and rare generous proportions, attributed to George Oakley,
England, circa 1810.
 
Why we like it
Its exquisite inlaid brass decoration together with the timeless Klismos form, derived from ancient Greek chairs, make this chair a rare example of its kind.
Certainly one the most sophisticated examples of open armchairs ever produced during the Regency period, and perhaps, during the entire 19th century.
 
Extremely rare with this particular form of front legs, derived from the ancient Greek 'Klismos' seats, this chair features exquisite brass inlay throughout, traditionally associated with the oeuvre of George Oakley (1773-1840), one of the most prominent London furniture-makers of the early 19th century.
 
An identical pair is illustrated in Ronald Phillips, fine Antique English Furniture 2018, pp. 158-159.
A sofa table, with Boulle-inlays identical to the ones displayed on the backs of these chairs, is illustrated in Mallett, The age of Matthew Boulton - Masterpieces of neo-classicism, London, 2000, pp. 112-113. This sofa table belongs to a group of furniture firmly attributed to George Oakley and certainly originates from the same workshop with the present chair.
An identically decorated daybed, en-suite with the present armchair, is illustrated in the same Mallett's catalogue, pp. 94-95.
 
George Oakley (1773–1840)
The firm of George Oakley produced stylish furniture in the Grecian taste during the decades spanning the turn of the 19th century, and was one of the pioneers of ‘Buhl’ inlay, a form of decoration that regained popularity during the early years of the Regency. Fashionable materials such as rosewood, mahogany and calamander were often used in Oakley's furniture, combined with inlays of satinwood and ebony, and brass stars and bands of metalwork. The highclass furniture made by George Oakley earned him a royal appointment and a contemporary reputation for fine craftsmanship.