Antique Early Georgian Armchair Attributed to Giles Grendey (1693-1780)

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On offer is an armchair that stylistically bridged two royal reigns in English history. The transition took place the end … Read more On offer is an armchair that stylistically bridged two royal reigns in English history. The transition took place the end of Queen Anne’s in 1714 into the early years of her second cousin and immediate successor George 1. Change in furniture fashions were glacial compared to our time. However, this timeless piece possesses design elements that were not only popular in the early to mid-18th century in England and America, but then were widely reproduced in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Notable style elements of this period are elegant, curved lines, minimal ornamentation, and a focus on comfort. Specifically, the classic features seen here are a single vertical wooden support shaped like a vase or fiddle in the center of the chair back. (Incidentally, the finer the facing “parrot” profiles, the more refined the piece.) As with this example, the gently flowing armrests, which are sometimes referred to as shepherd's crook arms, add comfort. All this is presented before the eye comes to the graceful, S-shaped legs with a shell motif on the knees that terminate, as with this example, in pad feet.
Long ago, it’s likely an original needlepointed cover succumbed to the generations, to be replaced by this timeless velvet upholstery on the drop-in seat.
This chair’s style is particularly consistent with the work of prominent London cabinetmaker Giles Grendey (1693-1780), who was particularly known for his high-quality chairs. Grendey’s work was admired abroad, as well as at home. Interestingly, he pioneered in developing a broad international market. His firm sent furniture to Spain, Italy, Norway and beyond.
Maker's mark: Not discernible. See less