Provenance:
The Swaythling Heirlooms, no. 473

Norman Adams Ltd., London, 2 March 1983 (with invoice)

Note:
This refined walnut armchair was part of the renowned collection formed by Samuel Montagu, 1st Baron Swaythling (1832-1911). Born Montagu Samuel to Orthodox Jews in Liverpool, he was known as Samuel Montagu by 1853 when he founded a merchant banking company that specialized in foreign exchanges. A prominent philanthropist active in Jewish causes, he was elected as a Liberal Member of Parliament in 1885 by which time his bank was so successful that it was noted that “for all practical purposes it was as good as the Rothschild's."

Montagu also followed in the Rothschild’s footsteps as he was an active and voracious collector. The interiors of Townhill Park, Hertfordshire, the home of his son and heir Louis Montagu, 2nd Baron Swaythling (1869-1927) included a vast array of works he had acquired. Townhill had been extensively remodeled in the early 20th century with gardens by Gertrude Jeckyll and it was lavishly illustrated in Country Life in 14 and 21 April 1923. The chair was photographed in the music room (reproduced here) but the image was apparently unused in the April 14th issue. A year later, part of Samuel Montagu’s collection was offered in a series of sales at Christie’s, London, from 6-8 May 1924 and in addition to the present lot, included books, a notable collection of silver, other furniture, and pictures. 

Photo Credit: Swaythling Armchair, Townhill Park from Country Life, 14 April 1923: Future Publishing Ltd.