M-112-0064
Rare Fine English Morgan & Saunders Mahogany Upholstered Metamorphic Reading Chair
$9,500.00 $6,650.00
DETAILS
A scarce, antique library armchair with hinged, sliding reading table. With upholstered brass tacked seat, raised on turned front legs, and splayed back saber legs capped with brass casters. Designed for the reader to sit astride the chair facing the back and the desk surface. It also can be rotated so the table is by the side arm.
REFERENCE
For similar chairs see: Bonhams, London, June 12, 2013, Lot 144 and Christie’s, Fine English Furniture Sale, April 11, 1991, Lot 54, also stamped T. Willson and Cope & Collinson.
LITERATURE
Design (illustrated): Rudolph Ackermann, The Repository of arts, literature, commerce, manufactures, fashions and politics, Volume 1, January-June 1809, Plate 19
STYLE
Late Regency
PLACE OF ORIGIN
England | United Kingdom
MAKER
Attributed to Morgan & Sanders (also Saunders) (16-17 Catherine Street, London, England) | Founder(s): Thomas Morgan & Joseph Sanders | Furniture broker: Thomas Willson (British, 1799–1854)
MARKS
Stamped (leg): T. Willson / 68 Great / Queen Street / London. Stamped (front brass caster): Cope & Collinson Patent. Paper label (underside of seat): Lord & Taylor (New York).
PERIOD
George III (1760-1820) | Regency era (1811-20) | Early 19th century
DATE
Circa 1810-15
DIMENSIONS
Width 22.5 Depth 38 Height 31 inches
Seat: Depth 21 Height 19.5 inches
CONDITION
Note: back joint at seat loose. The upholstery is a later addition. Shrinkage crack (desk). Some replaced screws. The curved bracket on the underside of the desk is a replacement.
