A set of six mahogany X-frame open armchairs, English, circa 1810-1820
manner of Thomas Hope (1769-1831)
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1810 - 1820
Materials
Mahogany, cane, leather
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Berrington Hall, Herefordshire
NT 617606
Summary
A set of six mahogany X-frame open armchairs, English, circa 1810-1820. After a design by Thomas Hope. Each with reeded frame, rectangular caned back and seat with leather squab, the arm supports and legs curved and arched to form an X-shape which is centred with a bold floral rosette, the legs joined by stretchers.
Full description
These Regency chairs are related to designs in the Greek revival taste for armchairs as illustrated in Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, plate XX, numbers 3 and 4, published by Thomas Hope (1769-1831) in 1807. The pattern was described by Hope as 'after the manner of the ancient curule chairs' (Ed. David Watkin, Philip Hewat-Jaboor, Thomas Hope Regency Designer, New Haven and London, 2008, pp. 398-399, no. 79). Hope had been greatly influenced by his extensive Grand Tour travels across Europe as well as Greece, Turkey and Egypt. His Duchess Street home became the showcase for his vision of antiquity across different cultures, incorporating Egyptian, Greek and Roman elements. Hope officially opened his home in 1802 to visitors and the Prince of Wales made an appearance at the grand opening. A similar X-frame armchair belonging to the Edward James Foundation is on loan to the Royal Pavilion, Brighton. Plate XX no.3 of Household Furniture is reproduced in Frances Collard, Regency Furniture, London, 1985, p.98. A virtually identical pair of chairs are at Ickworth in Suffolk (NT 850115).
Provenance
Amongst the chattels collected by 1st Lord Cawley for Berrington Hall. Purchased by the National Trust from Lord Cawley in April 1996.
Makers and roles
manner of Thomas Hope (1769-1831), furniture designer
References
Hope, Thomas - Household Furniture and Interior Decoration 1807, plate 20 Collard, Frances - Regency Furniture, ACC, 1985, p.98