OF ROYAL INTEREST - A late Victorian 'Ribband back' mahogany or hardwood open armchair Circa 190...

OF ROYAL INTEREST - A late Victorian 'Ribband back' mahogany or hardwood open armchair Circa 1900, possibly American, after models by Thomas Chippendale The scrolled shaped foliate and c-scroll carved toprail above a vase shaped and addorsed elongated c-scrolled acanthus, rocaille and bow-tied ribbon carved splat centred by a pendant tassel, flanked by channelled pilaster stiles, with foliate and stiff-leaf clasped arms, on scrolled acanthus wrapped cabriole front legs terminating in claw and ball feet, with splayed rear legs, with a brass plaque engraved: 'H.R.H. THE PRINCESS OF WALES SAT IN THIS CHAIR ON THE OCCASION OF HER VISIT TO THE ABBEY HOUSE, GLASTONBURY, JUNE 22nd 1909', also applied with an old printed newspaper excerpt explaining when the chair was formerly in an auction in Wincanton, Somerset, in 1977.' 63cm wide x 59cm deep x 108cm high, (24 1/2in wide x 23in deep x 42 1/2in high) Footnotes: Provenance It would appear that this chair was formerly offered at an auction in Wincanton, Somerset, in 1977. The offered lot closely relates to three designs, which are entitled 'Ribband Back Chairs', first appearing in Thomas Chippendale's seminal 1754 publication, The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, fig. XV. However, it is also possible that the present interpretation of these 'Ribband Back' models is more akin to versions of this type which were produced in Philadelphia during the latter part of the 19th century. Two very similar 'Ribband Backs', albeit both original Chippendale Director period examples dated circa 1755, feature in R. Edwards, The Dictionary of English Furniture, Vol. I, revised edition, 2000, New York, fig.'s 169 & 173, pp.'s 280-281. The second illustrated chair of which is housed at Nostell Priory, Yorkshire, part of the furnishing of which was a notable Chippendale commission. A further comparable set of eight Victorian 'Ribband Back' chairs sold Christie's, London, 27 September 2000, Furniture, Carpets and Works of Art, lot 652. The brass plaque fixed to the rear seat rail on the offered chair proudly proclaims that it was sat upon by HRH the Princess of Wales during a visit she made to Abbey House in Glastonbury during the summer of 1909. Mary of Teck (1867-1953) was at that time Princess of Wales in what was effectively the last year in the relatively short reign of HM King Edward VII. Mary of Teck served as Queen consort to her husband, HRH King George V, during his rule between the period, 1910-1936. Among Mary's six children were her two eldest sons, who would later become the respective monarchs, Edward VIII and George VI. Before becoming Queen consort of the United Kingdom and British dominions, as well as Empress of India, her successive titles were the Duchess of York, the Duchess of Cornwall and Princess of Wales. From the beginning, in her capacity as Queen consort, Mary provided constant invaluable succour to her husband throughout all of the great trials and tribulations of that time. Mary's strong and resolute character maintained George V's strength and resilience over the course of the First World War, and her support undoubtedly helped the King through his subsequent health issues. Following the war, the couple continued to embrace a life of duty to each other, to their family and of course first and foremost to their country. This must have fostered a much needed sense of national continuity and tradition among the British public, especially against the contemporary backdrop of significant socio-political changes that were taking place. Constructed in the early 19th century as the home for John Fry Reeves, who was the owner of the grounds during that period, Abbey House has been, and indeed remains, a significant part of the Glastonbury Abbey estate. The site for this structure was selected in part due to its impressive views along the main axis of the Abbey church. A great deal of its original Tudor character and gothic aesthetic remains today and it is still an idyllic place to visit with wonderful vistas of the surrounding Somerset countryside. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TP TP For auctions held in Scotland: Lots will be moved to an offsite storage location (Constantine, Constantine House, North Caldeen Road, Coatbridge ML5 4EF, Scotland, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please refer to the catalogue for further information. For all other auctions: Lots will be moved to an offsite storage location (Cadogan Tate, Auction House Services, 241 Acton Lane, London NW10 7NP, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 14 calendar days from the auction date. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing