A George I Period Walnut Wing Armchair

An early eighteenth century wing armchair the shaped frame with scrolling arm rests raised on carved walnut cabriole legs with scollop shell decoration and pointed pad feet.

The earliest wing armchairs date from the end of the seventeenth century. But it was not until the early eighteenth century that this form took on a sophisticated aspect, during the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1714). This example with its straight cresting rail and walnut cabriole legs with pointed pad feet dates from the reign of George I (1714-1726). The scallop shell carving to the knees of the front legs suggests a possible Irish origin.

Upholstered furniture was a tremendous domestic luxury in the early eighteenth century and armchairs such as these were made for the nobility, gentry and wealthy merchants. The form is most recognisably English and played an important role in the development of Georgian furniture design. It continued to be produced in varying forms until the 1770s, examples of this form ultimately becoming associated with the designs of Thomas Chippendale.