CIRCA 1750, IN THE MANNER OF PAUL SAUNDERS

This sofa, with its intricate legs, compares on stylistic grounds to furniture made by the workshop of Paul Saunders (1722-71), an 'upholder' (upholsterer) and cabinet-maker of Soho, London, who subscribed to Thomas Chippendale’s 1st edition of the Director (1754), and was undoubtedly inspired by the latter’s designs. The carved acanthus foliage clasped by a band is a recurring motif on Saunders’ seat-furniture, and is found on the supports of two sets of dining-chairs at Holkham Hall, Norfolk, part of Saunders’ documented commission for Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester (1697-1759). This motif was also used by Wright & Elwick of Wakefield, and it is interesting to note that Richard Wright (1745-1771) in the early part of his career worked for Saunders as a director of ‘The Royal Tapestry Manufactory’.