Classicism at its Finest: A George III Mahogany Armchair

A George III Adam Period Mahogany Open Armchair
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection

Today we are sharing a marvellous specimen chair: the quality of the carving is quite magnificent, and the mahogany is of the most wonderful colour.  The distinctive carving of the anthemion, or honeysuckle, on the back splat is a hallmark of the neo-classical movement that was used by Robert Adam, James Wyatt, and other notable designers of the period.

A George III Adam Period Mahogany Open Armchair
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection

The chair features an arched crest rail and is centred by a beaded rosette and with husk swags.  The prominent pierced and anthemion-carved splat stands above a serpentine silk-upholstered padded seat, flanked by out-curving moulded and foliate-carved arms.  The chair features a carved serpentine antique-fluted and beaded seat-rail centred by a floral patera and is raised on fluted tapering legs with foliate and shaped feet.

A George III Adam Period Mahogany Open Armchair
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection

This chair relates to a palm-flowered splat on a chair at the Victoria & Albert Museum, acquired in 1907, attributed to William and John Linnell of Berkeley Square (R. Edwards, A History of the English Chair, London, 1951, no. 93 and M. Tomlin, Catalogue of Adam Period Furniture, London, 1982, Q/2, inv. no. 503-1907).

A George III Adam Period Mahogany Open Armchair
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection

Further comparisons can be made between the present chair and seat furniture supplied by Mayhew and Ince for the 3^rd Earl of Darnley, for Cobham Hall, Kent.