A set of six Regency painted beechwood open armchairs by John Gee

A set of six Regency painted beechwood open armchairs by John Gee, each with a twin hour glass shape and ball back, to downswept and turned arms, with later silk squab cushions to a bell shape cane seat, the floral decorated front rail above turned tapering legs, the seat rails stamped, 'J within a G,' with workmen's mark 'I W'. (6) One back rail replaced, old losses and wear.
Provenance: Laura Duchess of Marlborough.

John Gee (fl. 1779-c.1824) chairmaker and turner. In 1779 Gee replaced Thomas Ayliffe as partner to Benjamin Crompton who had been Turner in Ordinairy to George III since 1762. From 1799 Gee is listed in London directories as 'Chair-maker, 49 Wardour Street, Soho' and in 1803 he is called 'Chair-maker & Turner to His Majesty.' Gee is also included in the list of master cabinet makers attached to Sheraton's Cabinet Dictionary in 1803. The last directory listing for Gee is 1823-24.