Apter-Fredericks

A Pair of George III Giltwood Armchairs By Thomas Chippendale

Each with pearled frame with arched back and bowed seat covered in associated French 18th century floral tapestry, with curved arms and downswept supports with palmette terminals, on reeded tapering legs and leaf-carved feet.

English, Circa 1775

Supplied to Sir Richard Worsley, 7th Bt., (1751-1805) Appuldurcombe, Isle of Wight;
The Maharajah of Baroda.

Amongst the houses being furnished by Chippendale between 1776 and1778 was that of Sir Richard Worsley, Bt. (d. 1805) at Appuldurcombe on the Isle of Wight. This pair of chairs formed part of the suite supplied for the Drawing Room, which was hung with '8 pieces of Gobelin Tapestry, representing the Arts & Sciences, copied from Bouchier's paintings at Versailles.' They were inventoried about 1779 as: '8 Cabriole elbow chairs carv'd & gilt in burnish'd gold, & cover'd with Gobelin Tapestry. A Sofa to match, cover'd wt. Do.' (see L. Boynton, "Sir Richard Worsley's Furniture at Appuldurcombe Park," Furniture History, 1965, pp. 39-58).
A strong link is provided by the composition of Chippendale's accompanying library chairs; these honoured ancient poets, by the presence of triumphal tripods bearing their laurelled medallions in arched pediments capped by palm-flowered acroteria also found on the present chairs (C. Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, 1978, vol. II, fig. 152).

Interestingly, Lady Worsley was the step daughter of Edwin Lascelles, owner of Harewood and one of Chippendale's most important clients. Lady Worsley grew up at Harewood and continued to visit with her husband Sir Richard Worseley. For his part, Sir Richard was keen to improve his position in society which demanded a house in London and improvements to the country estate.

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