THE HUNGERFORD CHAIRS

An outstanding pair of George III carved mahogany armchairs attributed to Thomas Chippendale. Having upholstered oval backs with moulded egg and dart surround and a wheat sheaf cresting within a laurel wreath; issuing out swept upholstered arms on down swept moulded supports, finely carved with husk trails, pearl beading and acanthus leaf. Joined to the upholstered serpentine shaped seats with finely moulded frieze carved laurel swags, and central tablet with the Hungerford family crest of a ducal crown with wheat sheaf above; suspended on laurel swags and tied by floral paterae. Supported on moulded cabriole legs with anthemion carving to the knees and terminating in leaf carved French toes.
These outstanding chairs epitomise the height in English craftsmanship and design and once formed part of a larger suite consisting of twelve armchairs, two settees and two card tables.

Literature: Illustrated:
British Antique Dealers Association Golden Jubilee Exhibition, Victorian and Albert Museum, London 1968, pl. 159, one chair from the set.
David Easton, Timeless Elegance, New York 2010, p 68, a pair of chairs from the set.
Literature:
Margaret Jourdain, Furniture at Wykeham Abbey- I, Apollo, Vol. 46, October 1947, p. 79, fig1.
Yvonnne Hackenbroch, English Furniture with some Furniture from other Countries in The Irvin Untermyer Collection, Cambridge Mass, 1958, plate 220, fig 259+pp. 53-54.
Geoffey Beard, Judith Goodison, English Furniture 1500-1840, Oxford 1987, p. 125, fig 6, . 170, fig 1.
F.Lewis Hinckley, Georgian Funiture and Looking Glasses, New York 1992, pp. 74/75, ill. 113/114.

Exhibitions: The Luton Museum, London, 1939.
The Victoria And Albert Museum, 1968.