These
chairs are of large scale and employ all of the
high style decorative elements of the Queen Anne
period. Just about every meaningful element of
this chair is carved: from the central crest rail,
the backsplat, and even small rosettes at the
midpoint of the break in the curve of the real
styles. The seat is the most desirable compass
shape with shells carved on the seat frame as
well as the knees. Note the punchwork on the upper
crest rail, (see detail below), which is rarely
found on any chair, because of the hand carving
involved. If this were not enough, the front legs
are beautifully carved with claw and ball feet,
and beautifully terminated rear legs, all harkening
to the later Chippendale style.

Carved elements aside, the walnut
has, over time, turned a beautiful golden brown.
Also, the form of these chairs with the beautiful
raking rear legs and curved back are of the best
form. These large scale chairs work beautifully
as side chairs in a hall flanking a side table
with a mirror above or around a living room and/or
dining room. They are in excellent condition with
no alterations or repairs. We have cleaned and
French polished them and reupholstered the seats.
They will make a dramatic statement in a formal
room setting.

A set of related chairs
by Gillows was auctioned by Chrisite’s in October,
2008. Although the set at Christie’s
appears to be by the same maker, our six chairs
are more strongly embellished, with carved shells
on the knees and aprons above the knees of the
front legs, and the finaly carved backsplats,
in addition to punchwork and further carving above.

Height:
41 in. Width: 22 in. Depth: 21 in.
Seat Height: 19in.