A pair of circa 1805 English Regency mahogany and ebony inlaid hall chairs or seats attributed to London cabinetmakers Marsh and Tatham, the tapered rectangular tablet backs inlaid with ebony anthemions at corners and painted ‘tabula ansata’ form reserves decorated with Sebright family arms above shaped tapered panels connecting tapered seats with incised moulded lines on klismos-form sabre legs. The severe neoclassical design of these chairs can possibly be attributed to Sir John Soane, and certainly bears many of his hallmarks, as he was hired in 1804 by Sir John Saunders Sebright, 7th Bt. (see below) to draw up plans for alterations to Beechwood that were never executed, thus making these Soane’s only extant contribution.

Provenance:
Sir John Saunders Sebright, 7th Baronet (1767-1846) and thence by descent at Beechwood Park, Flamstead, Hertfordshire.

William Marsh (active 1775-1810) and Thomas Tatham (1763-1818) were partners in a very successful firm of cabinetmakers and upholsterers based in Mount Street, London. They carried out major commissions for the Prince of Wales at Brighton Pavilion and Carlton House. Charles Heathcote Tatham (1772-1842), brother of Thomas, was sent to Rome in 1794 by the architect Henry Holland (1745-1806) to collect classical fragments; his drawings, published 1799-1800 as ‘Etchings of Ancient Ornamental Architecture’, provided Marsh and Tatham with the inspiration for much of their furniture.

Additional Condition information:

The original armorials with age and use related distress. Age shrinkage rendering slightly different sizing; measurements given are maximum; heights are 34.5″ and 34″; both 17.5″ wide; depths are 16″ and 15.25″. Seat height with cushions: 18.5″. Presents beautifully.

INFORMATION

Price: $

Condition: Good. Please see additional information in description.

Number of items: 2

Measurements:
Width: 17.5
Height: 34.5
Depth: 16
Second Height: 17

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