Inspired by a unique sofa designed for Spencer House by James 'Athenian' Stuart (1713-1788) and most likely executed by the workshop of Gordon & Taitt and the lions carved by James Vardy, circa 1759. James Vardy was the brother of Spencer House's architect John Vardy. This sofa is part of a suite of furniture made for the Painted Room at Spencer House, London.

Inspired by a unique sofa designed for Spencer House by James 'Athenian' Stuart (1713-1788) and most likely executed by the workshop of Gordon & Taitt and the lions carved by James Vardy, circa 1759. James Vardy was the brother of Spencer House's architect John Vardy. This sofa is part of a suite of furniture made for the Painted Room at Spencer House, London. The design is exceptionally bold, with winged lions forming the arms of the settees. James Stuart, the architect who designed the house and many of its furnishings was one of the first architects in Britain to work in the new Neoclassical style. For the Painted Room he had the walls painted with arabesques and oval panels, imitating the style of decoration found during the archaeological excavations of Herculaneum and Pompeii. His design for the furniture probably took its inspiration from Greek and Roman thrones in stone. These often showed seats supported on mythical beasts.

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  Artistry

  Crushed eggshell inlay, hand-tooling with gold leaf; hand-painting with fine art techniques, the ancient art of gilding and our Argento technique involving canvas wrapping, gilding and painting are just a few of the techniques used to create the authentic finishes on our furnishings. Using traditional tools and techniques handed down through the ages imbue each piece with an air of authenticity and individuality.

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  Upholstery

  Theodore Alexander upholstery uses the finest quality materials and is hand applied by expert craftspeople to ensure the highest standards in comfort, longevity and style.

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