Early 19th Century Pair of Regency Klismos Hall Chairs with Armorial Backs

A very fine and elegant pair of 'Klismos' hall chairs of the early Regency period. England, circa 1810.

Why we like it

These chairs are made to an unusual neoclassical design, possibly for an oval hall - a fashionable architectural feature in the neoclassical tradition. Their elegantly curved legs and seats are inspired by the Greek 'Klismos' chairs, an epic timeless design, already popular in circa 400 BC and often seen on Attic and Apulian pottery. The georgians were obsessed with classical Greek culture and often used the motifs seen on the 'Grand Tour' or excavated objects in decoration and design.

Unlike other types of chairs, hall chairs were designed mainly with decorative purpose in mind. Intended for a vestibule of a grand house, they were often emblazoned with a family crest. These particular chairs have their backs exquisitely painted with the distinctive crests of the Gist (or Gest) family, described in all most important heraldic sources, including the Fairbairn's Book of Crests (1908) and Burke's General Armoury (1884): 'A Swan's Head and Neck, Erased, Between Two Osctrich-feathers, Argent'.

While more accurate provenance of these exceptional chairs is still under research, it has come to light that a branch of the Gist family owned Wormington Grange, a splendid Greek Revival Manor House in Gloucestershire, England.

Dimensions

Height: 33.25" / 84.5 cm
Width: 18" / 46 cm
Depth: 20" / 51 cm
Seat height: 17" / 43.5 cm

Condition

Fine antique condition, great colour and patination, original decoration.