FP 55
Walnut winged armchair with scroll arms
Date: George I, c. 1720-5
Date Purchased: 1915 for £8.10.0 and reproduced by Parker Knoll in 1939
This winged armchair, with its highly stylised scroll arms and bow-fronted apron is typical of the exaggerated form of furniture in the Baroque style, although its proportions are rather broader than those of chairs from the beginning of the century. The panelled ‘broken' square cabriole rear legs terminate in pads, while the front legs are also cabriole but rather than being ‘broken' have sweeping moulded scrolls that run from the ears to the knee.
The front apron, as well as being bowed, is also thinned for a lighter effect and veneered. The legs are constructed using walnut and the seat rails rather unusually, are of oak. The authenticity of the rest of the frame can not be checked under the upholstery.
The upholstery cover is gold velvet, but is modern. However the webbing, although repaired, appears to be original, as is the hessian. Traces of red worsted backing under the nails on the back seat rail reveal the possible original cover, while remnants of fine under-linen along the front rail give further evidence of how and what upholstery materials had been used to cover this chair. An embroidered panel, possibly of eighteenth century Italian ecclesiastical origin, has been applied at the top of the back.
four odd slots are visible in the back and seat rails, of uncertain purpose .
Additions and Alterations Twentieth century top cover, repairs to back and front toes, three ears replaced; restoration to front leg seatings and seat rail veneer
Measurements: 36 × 44 × 31 inches