Lot 282
A Regency simulated mahogany open armchair, after a design by Thomas Hope The Sir Walter Scott Parlour Writing Chair
Auction: 24 September 2008 at 12:00 BST
Description
the turned back rail above two narrow slotted cross rails and a split cane upholstered seat flanked by downscrolling open arms on claw carved terminals, the seat rail with a silver plaque inscribed: 'Sir Walter Scott's Parlour Writing Chair, 39 Castle Street, Edinburgh', on turned and splayed tapering legs
Footnote
Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832), one of Britain's most famous novelists, moved to 39 Castle Street in 1801 and it remained his Edinburgh home until financial disaster forced him to sell the house and its contents in 1826.
This chair was in the possession of the Jenner family of Edinburgh until it was bequeathed to its present owners some 40 years ago. Charles Jenner (died 1893) established the renowned Jenners Department Store on Princes Street (opposite the Scott Monument) in 1838. The family lived at Easter Duddington Lodge, Portobello, Edinburgh, until it was sold in 1960.