Francois Hervé was a French emigre cabinetmaker residing in London who attracted a number of prestigious clients in the late 18th century. Idiosyncratic attributes typical to Hervé include the extension of top of the leg along the seat-rail and the splayed back legs opposing straight front legs. Hervé (fl. 1781-96) supplied considerable amounts of furniture, to the Prince of Wales (later King George IV), specifically for the Chinese Drawing Room at Carlton House, as well as suites of upholstered and caned seat-furniture to the 5th Duke of Devonshire at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire and unspecified work to the 5th Duke of Bedford at Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire as well as, on the orders of Holland and Daguerre a suite of seat furniture for George John, 2nd Earl Spencer for the Countess Spencer's Dressing Room at Althorp.
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Good overall condition. With the inevitable marks, scratches and wear consistent with age and use. Some minor losses to the gilding throughout, particularly to the extremities, revealing bole and timber beneath in places. There is a repair to the top of the front left leg. The silk damask upholstery is in excellent condition. As stated in the cataloguing, regilt. Structurally sound and ready to use.
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Lot 224Sale 21906
ATTRIBUTED TO FRANCOIS HERVE, CIRCA 1785A GEORGE III GILTWOOD SOFAEstimate: GBP 6,000 - 10,000
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