Antique Pair George III Polychrome Decorated Open Armchairs C1785 18th C
London, United Kingdom
Hassle-free returns
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Easy returns (14 days)
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£75 flat-fee return if you change your mind (UK mainland only)
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Free return if the item isn't as described
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Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Excellent
Style
Antique, Neoclassical, Upcycled, Victorian
Item Location
London, United Kingdom
Product Details
Description
A superb pair of George III polychrome decorated open armchairs, attributed to Gillows, Circa 1785 in date.
Each is superbly decorated with hand painted garlands, ribbon tied foliate trails, patera, bellflower pendants and demi-lune fan medallion. The chairs have shield shaped back with vertical medallion splats raised on square tapering front legs and splayed rear legs.
They are beautifully upholstered in a cream floral patterned and buttoned fabric.
Footnotes:
A virtually identical mahogany open armchair, albeit one with carved rather than polychrome detailing to its frames, is illustrated in S. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London, 1730-1840, Vol. I, 2008, Woodbridge, pl. 124, p. 165. A closely comparable design appears alongside, with the description: 'The five-splat chair with a 'camel back stay rail' made for Mrs Chadwick in December 1785'. This Gillows model was then published in the renowned cabinet maker's Estimate Sketch Books in January of the following year, Ibid, pl. 123, p. 165. A slightly more simplified version of this design, dated circa 1785, which is also directly related to the offered and aforementioned chairs is in Gillow Furniture Designs, 1760-1800, introduction and ed. by L. Boynton, 1995, Royston, fig. 260. This same drawing appears again in S. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London, 1730-1840, Vol. I, 2008, Woodbridge, fig. 1, p.134. This latter example is evidently one of a group of reproductions, also dating to circa 1785, taken from the 'Journeymen's Price Agreement' which is therein described as: 'Camel Back Stay Rail, 5 splat escutcheon or shield'.
There is no mistaking their beautiful and stylish design, which is certain to make them a treasured addition to one of the rooms in your home.
Condition:
In excellent original condition having only been beautifully wax polished in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 98 x Width 57 x Depth 53
Height 45 - Seat Height
Dimensions in inches:
Height 3 foot, 3 inches x Width 1 foot, 10 inches x Depth 1 foot, 9 inches
Height 1 foot, 6 inches - Seat Height
Gillow & Co.
was originally founded in Lancaster in 1730. Gillow's of Lancaster was a household name in Victorian Britain, and the firm exported furniture throughout the Empire. Key to the company's success was the dynamic father and son team at its core.
The London branch was opened in 1775. Among Gillow's most successful pieces during this period were those made in the Neoclassical style from original drawings by Robert Adam. In the period 1813-1820 the Gillow family gradually withdrew from personal involvement with the business.
In 1897 Gillow & Co. merged with a Liverpool firm and they henceforth traded as Waring & Gillow.
Wear Condition
Excellent
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Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Free delivery in London.
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 13 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
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6. What happens next
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Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
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Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
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What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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