Pair of Regency Klismos Chairs, attributed to Gillows

A very fine and elegant Regency period pair of 'Klismos' open armchairs after designs by Thomas Hope, the manufacture attributed to Gillows. England, circa 1810.

Why we like them 

These superb quality, wonderfully stylish Klismos chairs correspond to a design published in Thomas Hope's ‘A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration' (1807), visible on the view of the Picture Gallery at the designer's own Duchess Street mansion in London. It is a particularly fine and rare design, executed in finest solid mahogany. Very comfortable and of great scale and proportions, these super smart chairs will be a very chic addition to an eclectic or modern interior. Excellent restored highly-polished condition.

This design derives from Thomas Hope's Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, published in London in 1807, which drew inspiration from the ancient Greek and Roman examples, depicted on pottery, frescoes and marble reliefs.Hope’s designs were highly influential and inspired the work of other designers and makers including Gillows of Lancaster and London.

Attribution

The chairs stamped E.WOOD to the underside, a feature characteristic of the Gillows workmen. Although unidentified, this is the name of the craftsman responsible for the making of these pieces.

A set of twenty-four open armchairs of this pattern were supplied by Gillows to Elizabeth Brooke (d.1809) in June 1803, for Mere Hall, Cheshire,and were later sold from there, Christie's house sale, 23 May 1994, lot 106 (£210,500). Dining chairs in the Small Dining-Room at Oulton Park, Cheshire share the same pattern back (illustrated in situ in C. Latham, In English Homes, London, 1908, vol.III, p.315).

Dimensions

Height: 33 inches / 84 cm
Width: 19 inches / 48.5 cm
Depth: 21.5 inches / 54.5 cm
Seat height: 17.25 inches / 43.5 cm