Apter-Fredericks

Important 18th & 19th Century Antique Furniture

George II
Two Remarkable George II Carved Giltwood Armchairs

SOLD - Two Remarkable George II Carved Giltwood Armchairs

The chairs are carved with the most extraordinary amount of movement and exemplify the rococo fashion of the mid Eighteenth century. The upholstered back with gadrooned show-wood frame above an upholstered seat with wave carved seat-rail defined by elongated 'C' scrolls and standing on cabriole legs profusely carved with acanthus leaf and cabochon motifs before terminating in French scroll feet. The arms, with upholstered pads, are a tour de force of Eighteenth century carving. The closest comparison that one can make is to the Cosway Chair by Mathias Lock.

English, Circa 1755

Formerly in the possession of the Dean and Chapter of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

Illustrated: Mallett Millennium, fig 181, page 152
Matthias Lock (1710 -1765) was regarded as the greatest living rococo draughtsman of his age. A reputation established in part by his publishing numerous books of designs. From his notebooks, which his descendents left to the Victoria & Albert Museum, and from Thomas Johnson's autobiography, we know that he was a highly regarded carver who undertook commissions in his own right. Despite this, it has never been possible to determine whether he had his own workshop or not. We do know that he worked in the workshop of James Whittle, Carver to the King, along side other great carvers like Thomas Johnson.