A Set of Eight 18th Century Scottish Mahogany 'Cockpen' Armchairs

An incredibly rare, large set of 18th Century Scottish mahogany 'Cockpen' chairs, c. 1780. Perhaps the chairs known as 'Chinese chairs' in the late 18th century, the form defined by their saddle seats, steam-bent cylindrical components, the lightly curved top rails and geometric splats, and elegantly splayed, trifid section legs.

Two Edinburgh furniture makers are most closely associated with the form; James Hamilton, in partnership with his father William (later with Young and Trotter following his father's death), and Alexander Peter, the wright best known for his extensive work at Dumfries house in the 1750s and 1760s. Hamilton wrote a letter, in the 1770s, to Thomas Mouat of Garth, on Shetland, suggesting for the Drawing Room 'Chinese chairs'. Earlier in the 18th century, in his dealings with the Earl of Dumfries, Peter makes reference to '15 Mahogy chairs diamond back ... 21/… £15 15/.' This peculiar form is closely linked to the Scottish furniture trade, and there is a chance these furniture makers referred to the 'cockpen' design in their letters.

With later, sympathetic Scottish latticework woven upholstery.

From the collection of the Earls of Airlie, Cortachy Castle, Angus. (One chair shown in situ, in the early 20th century, below).

Literature:

Francis Bamford, A Dictionary of Edinburgh Wrights and Furniture Makers 1660-1840, 1983
Dr. Sebastian Pryke 'Cockpen Quest' Country Life 29th April 1993
Dr. Sebastian Pryke 'The Cockpen Conundrum' December 2nd, 2017

Ref: 6179

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