Two English settees originally with crimson Norwich damask, now with reproduction worsted damask, formerly in the Gallery at Strawberry Hill. Probably made by Thomas Devenish working as a subcontractor to Vile & Cobb; commissioned by H. Walpole from Vile and Cobb as part of a matching set of four settees, four benches, and four armchairs. In his Accounts, Walpole lists a payment [1765]: "March 20 Pd Vile's bill for chairs, tables, stools, &c for the gallery & odd articles £146.14.0."
Description:
Title devised by curator., Inscriptions: signed on the stretcher 'by Thos. Courtenay Devenish' and incised 'IF'; and on the frame 'Restuffed by H. Adams Nov. 1833.', Also attributed to English furniture maker William Vile and John Cobb, English cabinet-maker and upholsterer., Text from the 1842 Catalogue of the classic contents of Strawberry Hill collected by Horace Walpole: A pair of window couches, of similar fashion, covered en suite., and Formerly identified as: Window seats, 2, from Quenby Hall, Leics. (Lot no. on back of one CK0012-161 & 162).
