ATTRIBUTED TO WILLIAM LINNELL, CIRCA 1760

The chairs compare relatively closely to mahogany and part-gilded armchairs from a set of seat-furniture designed by Sir William Chambers, circa 1759-63, and probably supplied by the father and son partnership of William and John Linnell to Francis Child at Osterley Park, Middlesex (H. Hayward, P. Kirkham, William and John Linnell, 1980, p. 35, fig. 66). A pen and ink and watercolour drawing for a similar armchair by Linnell, but with stretchers, and dated 1750-60 is in the Prints & Drawings department, Victoria & Albert Museum (Ms. E.94-1929).
The present chairs are closely related to a pair sold Christie's, London, 10 July 2003, lot 123, £47,800 (inc. premium). Another very similar pair sold Christie's, London, 23 November 2006, lot 90, £24,000 (inc. premium).