Mahogany chair, English, 1760-1780, with rounded open back formed of interlacing bands and upholstered seat.

Mahogany, with rounded open back formed of interlacing bands; straight front legs with angle brackets; straight stretchers. Seat covered with green cloth fixed with brass nails.
The interlaced open back is veneered in cross-banded Honduras mahogany on the solid to give a ribbon-like effect. The shoe is removable and inscribed VII, the same number is inscribed on the proper right upper surface of the back pine stretcher. The under back stretcher - apparently of oak - is inscribed XII, indicating that there were originally at least 12 chairs in the set and that this chair is formed of a marriage of parts from different chairs in the same set.

In the style of Robert Manwaring.

Two mahogany chairs, purchased from Mrs Beatrice Potbury, 3 Ravenscourt Sq, W6

Notes from R.P. 4569

18/9/19 Purchase Form
lists "2 Chippendale chairs, scroll backs - £50"

The word "Chippendale" is crossed out and "Manwaring" written in. "Circ 460-1190" is also noted.

19/9/19 Oliver Brackett report to the Director
"These are two English mahogany chairs of about 1765 with a peculiar type of scroll back characteristic of a maker named Robert Manwaring, a contemporary of Chippendale's. Designs for similar chairs are shown in Manwaring's book 'The Chairmaker's Guide' (1766)". He recommends purchase as Manwaring chairs are rare in the market and the price (£25 each) is reasonable. One to be for the Museum; one for circulation.

15/9/19 Transit Room instructions
request collection of the chairs from Island Cottage, Strand-on-the-Green, Kew. The notation "both chipped & scratched" appears on the form.

On loan to Gainsborough's House.

W.142-1919