Stock Code: 2469 - SOLD

Description: An exquisite George III carved giltwood window seat attributed to John Linnell. The seat with a serpentine form with a Greek-scroll carved rail centred by an arrangement of acanthus leaves and a central floral motif. The oval ends padded, carved around the perimeter and surmounted by trailing leaves and a floral crest. The end supports profusely floral carved. The seat is supported by square tapering section moulded legs.

Further Information: This seat is nearly certainly one of a set of five, made by Linnell for Malahide Castle, County Dublin. It is not clear when the set of five giltwood stools, attributed to Linnell, entered the collection at Malahide but they were possibly a component of the new ‘Georgian’ schemes implemented at the Castle from 1765 onwards, by Margaret, 1st Baroness Talbot of Malahide and her husband Richard Talbot. The collection at Malahide was added to extensively over the course of the Talbot’s tenure, through marriage and inheritance.

The son of a furniture maker, Linnell was born in 1729 and was an alumnus of St Martin’s Lane Academy. He took the skills he learnt here back to his father ‘s workshop and with the family firm well and truly thriving, the Linnell’s were soon able to move their business into Berkeley Square, where they enjoyed the patronage of some of the finest names in London. Linnell’s furniture was notable for its ornate, Rococo design and the quality of its workmanship. Many pieces of Linnell’s furniture were purchased by the upper classes of the day. This window seat has survived time incredibly well and remains in wonderfully preserved condition over 250 years later.

Condition: Excellent. Possible minor old restorations, the gilding largly original, refreshed in places. The upholstery apparently original, recently re-covered in a classic silk damask fabric.

Country of Origin: England

Origin/Age: English, George III, circa 1770

Provenance: Lord Talbot of Malahide, County Dublin, Ireland.

Maker: Attributed to John Linnell

Dimensions: Height 28.00 inches (71.12cm) Width 45.00 inches (114.30cm) Depth 18.00 inches (45.72cm)