A RARE GEORGE I SILVERED WOOD SUITE OF SEAT FURNITURE

A RARE GEORGE I SILVERED WOOD SUITE OF SEAT FURNITURE

C.1715

each with an upholstered high back and seat above foliate carved cabriole front legs united by a turned stretcher, comprising: a two seat sofa and six side chairs (8)

117.5cm high 147cm wide 71cm deep

Provenance

Robert Bradley Antiques, Salisbury.

Catalogue Note

Towards the latter end of the 17th century, due to the increasing cost of real gold leaf, a number of alternative 'gilt' finishes were developed. These were often silvering, applied in much the same way as water-gilding, and then they had a gold coloured varnish or lacquer painted over the top to prevent the silver from tarnishing. However, other examples were left with just a silvered finish which did eventually tarnish thus these were later gilded meaning that a silvered finish is now quite rare. For a similar pair of high-back chairs, see Christie's, Interiors - Masters and Makers, 30th October 2012, lot 2.

A related suite of furniture was made by Thomas Phill for Edward Dryden of Canons Ashby in 1715. see the Journal of The Furniture History Society, Volume XXI, 1985, pp.217-219.