An unusual English early Regency period hall chair, in the manner of Gillows of Lancaster and London,
circa 1800.
 
Why we like it
Georgian hall chairs in such original condition are rare survivors due to their delicate construction, originally intended only for decorative purpose and only occasonal use with care. 
This particular example has an unusual and rare, pure late Georgian design with flowing line and smart hand-carved neoclassical decoration in the form of paper-scroll, that is supposed to display the owner's crest, painted in the central medallion.
Superb quality of construction, top quality Spanish mahogany, glorious patina, pleasing faded mellow colour. A delightful little accent chair.
 
A set of five virtually identical chairs are at the long gallery at Mottisfont Abbey, Hampshire. These chairs are not original to the house and were acquired by its celebrity resident Maud Russel in the 1930's as part of the massive remodelling project which made Mottisfont the centre of a fashionable artistic and political circle. Under Maud's guidance, rooms were reconfigured and redecorated, creating the Neo-classical, luxurious look that still exists today. in 1939, Maud Russell commissioned the marvellously talented Rex Whistler (1905-1944) to transform the original entrance hall into a large saloon for Mottisfont’s glamorous guests. The results were his spectacular trompe l’oeil murals, that became his last and finest work before the artist was killed in action in France.