Metamorphic library chair
possibly Morgan and Sanders (fl. 1801 - 1820)
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1810
Materials
Mahogany, cane
Measurements
89 x 56.5 x 61 cm
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Kingston Lacy Estate, Dorset
NT 1254488
Summary
A mahogany and cane metamorphic library armchair, possibly by Morgan & Saunders (fl.1801-1820) or Gillows, probably London, circa 1810. With a caned back and seat, moulded over-scrolled arms and sabre legs, hinged at the front seat rail.
Full description
Morgan and Sanders (London fl.1801-1820) are usually the firm attributed to the design of these library chairs, recorded as working from 16-17 Catherine Street, London. They certainly made and sold a significant number, but there is no evidence to suggest that they were the designers, and they did not own the patent for the design. The firm of Gillows also produced a very similar chair and it is probable that other firms also manufactured them. The caned back panel is an unusual feature, as a solid top rail and horizontal stretcher was more common. The caning could easily be damaged in the process of converting chair to steps and vice versa. This is a rare example and attribution is difficult but either Morgan & Saunders or Gillows are front runners. Other examples in the National Trust's collection include an example at Blickling Hall, Norfolk (BT354260) and Saltram, Devon (NT871315). James Weedon (June 2018)
Provenance
Bequest of the estates of Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy made to the National Trust by Henry John Ralph Bankes (1902-1981). NT ownership commenced from 19th August 1982.
Makers and roles
possibly Morgan and Sanders (fl. 1801 - 1820), cabinetmaker
References
Ackermann's Repository of arts July 1811 Plate.3, Plate 3 page 40 Beard, Geoffrey W. Dictionary of English furniture makers, 1660-1840 1986., p. 626