19th Century Giltwood Throne Armchair, design attributed to William Kent

Provenance: Boughrood Castle, Wales

Designed by one of the most important 18th Century architects.

Upholstered in the finest embroidered silk velvet.

Important & Rare 19th Century Giltwood Throne Armchair, design attributed to William Kent.

The exquisitely beautiful design & exceptional rarity of this masterpiece cannot be overstated. This ‘Roman’ pattern, displaying a Venus shell on scale-imbricated and acanthus draped trusses terminating in Bacchic Lion paws, was invented in the mid-1730’s to accompany two throne-like armchairs that were supplied for the Withdrawing Room at Hampton Court Palace. It is a truly magnificent example. It has been traditionally reupholstered in the finest embroidered Silk Velvet material. The x-frame design used by William Kent was probably a vestigial manifestation of a sixteenth-century English or Italian throne chair. The gilding has been expertly refreshed. It is in good condition.

A similar throne & stool is in the Royal Collection at Hampton Court Palace, designed by William Kent & made by Henry Williams & an armchair supplied by William Kent to Chatsworth House.

William Kent (1685 – 1748) was the leading architect and designer of early Georgian Britain. Credited as having introduced the Palladian style of architecture into England and originating the ‘natural’ style of gardening known as the English landscape garden, Kent was a polymath, who also turned his hand to designing sculpture, furniture, metalwork, book illustration, theatrical design and costume. Kent’s life coincided with a major turning point in British history, the accession of the new Hanoverian Royal Family in 1714. He played a leading role in establishing a new design aesthetic for this crucial period when Britain defined itself as a new nation. The artistic styles of France and the Low Countries were associated with the Stuart regime and fell out of fashion. A search began for a new style that would define the United Kingdom. Wealthy aristocrats looked to the art, architecture and design of Italy for inspiration, believing that society could be renewed and improved by a new direction in art and culture. They spread their ideas through books and new journals that encouraged the discussion of Art by an expanding middle class. It was in this context that Kent re-launched his career in Britain.

Approximate Size:

Height: 50.5 inches

Width: 28.5 inches

Depth: 26.25 inches

An incredibly rare, magnificent & exquisitely made masterpiece.