Regency period mahogany Bergere Armchair in exceptional condition, the frame of continous flowing design. Signed W PRIEST 1 & 2 TUDOR STREET BLACKFRIARS
RR
c. 1825
William Priest's furniture warehouse was at this address in the 1840s. He stocked his own furniture as well as quality second hand pieces by other makers. See also Bonhams 12th January 2010 for a fine 19th century figured mahogany cylinder bureau stamped W Priest.
A Bergère is an enclosed upholstered French armchair (fauteuil) with an upholstered back and armrests on upholstered frames. The seat frame is over-upholstered, but the rest of the wooden framing is exposed: it may be moulded or carved, and of beech, painted or gilded, or of fruitwood, walnut or mahogany with a waxed finish. Padded elbow rests may stand upon the armrests. A bergère is fitted with a loose, but tailored, seat cushion. It is designed for lounging in comfort, with a deeper, wider seat than that of a regular fauteuil, though the Bergères by Bellangé in the White House (one illustrated) are more formal. A Bergère in the eighteenth century was essentially a meuble courant, designed to be moved about to suit convenience, rather than being ranged permanently formally along the walls.
For a selection of furniture stamped by Priest, see Christopher Gilbert Pictorial Dictionary of marked London Furniture 1700-1840, London 1996 pp 379-384
Height37.00 inch(94.0 cm)
Width34.00 inch(86.4 cm)
Depth29.00 inch(73.7 cm)
Ref No. 5636