Upholstered library armchair
This is a single vintage armchair made by George Smith, handmade in Newcastle, England. The chair features a dark-stained hardwood frame with square, fluted legs and stretcher supports. It has scrolled arms and a high, slightly arched back. The chair is upholstered in a Kilim-style woven wool fabric with a geometric tribal pattern in muted reds, browns, and golds. The edges are finished with decorative nailhead trim. A George Smith maker’s plaque is attached to the lower back of the chair. Condition: Structurally sound, with visible wear to the upholstery including some fraying and fading, and minor surface wear to the wood. Original upholstery and frame.
Height 40 inches width 23 inches depth 18 inches seat hight 24 inches
Inherited
Yes
Hi Tyler,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
George Smith Ltd was founded in 1985 and is a British luxury furniture maker based in Cramlington, just outside Newcastle The firm specializes in handmade, bespoke upholstered furniture—chairs, sofas, beds—crafted by the largest team of master upholsterers in the UK. It continuously values quality over speed, using responsibly sourced timber (like beech and birch) and traditional techniques (e.g., hand-tying springs, horsehair stuffing as well as using historical objects as precedents for its designs.
The term "Gainsborough" refers to Gainsborough chairs, which were a type of large, open-arm English armchair that became popular in the 18th century, particularly during the mid-Georgian period (circa 1750–1780).
As far as reproductions go, pieces by George Smith are at the height of the pyramid and this chair - with its kilim covering and lovely patina - is a very good example of the form. Other examples of George Smith chairs that have sold suggest that this would do best at auction with an estimate of $700-1,000.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A vintage George III style carved and upholstered mahogany "Gainsborough" chair
late 20th Century
With arched crest and flatwoven carpet upholstered, with down-curving arms, on square section legs joined by an H-stretcher.
Overall height: 40 inches; seat height: 24 inches; width of arms: 23 inches; depth of seat: 18 inches
CONDITION: This chair appears to be in good condition.
PROVENANCE: Inherited; made for Claus Moehimann
$ 700-1,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
