PAIR OF GEORGE II SIDE CHAIRS ATTRIBUTED TO THOMAS HOW
English, 18th century, walnut. Each with a painted crown and bird design to the back, with circular pad feet.
These two chairs are attributed to Thomas How, British, circa 1724-1736. The original set included twelve side chairs, two settees, and two pedestals supplied to Nicholas, fourth Earl of Scarsdale for Sutton Scarsdale, Derbyshire.
Pair on display at the Metropolitan Museum in New York as object # 64.101.936 & 937
Each: 41 x 23 x 23 in. (104.1 x 58.4 x 58.4 cm.)

Provenance:
Property from The Sam and Marilyn Fox Collection, St. Louis, Missouri



Sam Fox was born and raised in Desloge, MO. He earned a bachelor?s degree in business administration from Olin Business School in 1951. In 1976, Fox founded Harbour Group Ltd., a privately owned operating company that specializes in the acquisition and long-term development of manufacturing companies. In 2006, Fox was called to serve as U.S. ambassador to Belgium, a role he held from 2007 to 2009. In 2012, he became only the third American to receive Belgium?s highest award for public service, the Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown. He previously received the Marco Polo Award from the People?s Republic of China, in 2002. A major supporter of his alma mater, Washington University, where Fox served as a trustee, the university opened the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts in 2006. Throughout his life he supported such organizations as the Boy Scouts, the St. Louis Art Museum, the St. Louis Symphony, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the St. Louis Science Center, Civic Progress, and the United Way of Greater St. Louis. In 1986, Sam and Marilyn Fox had established the Fox Family Foundation, which donates millions of dollars annually to charitable organizations in St. Louis and around the world.

Marilyn Fox met recent Washington University graduate, Sam Fox, during her senior year of University City High School and they married in 1953. She is known as one of St. Louis? most prominent civic leaders, having devoted her life to local charities, cultural institutions, and non-profit organizations. She joined the Jewish Federation of St. Louis as board secretary, executive committee member, and president and campaign chair of the Women?s Division. She also began volunteered with the Jewish Community Center, where, in 1992, she was elected the first woman president and would go on to hold leadership roles with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Missouri Historical Society, and the Old Newsboy?s Day Campaign for Kids, a longtime trustee at Webster University, among many others. Washington University awarded Marilyn an honorary doctorate in the humanities in 2013. Other honors include the St. Louis Woman of Achievement Award; the Variety St. Louis Woman of the Year Award; the Old Newsboys Day Lifetime Achievement Award; the National Council of Community and Justice Brotherhood Sisterhood Award; and the YWCA Leader of Distinction Award.

This pair of chairs is possibly a late 18th/early 19th century replacement set Structurally sound without much movement to the frames. One of the shoe-piece elements to the back of one of the seats shows a bit of movement, but nothing that seems to affect condition.It is the Buyer's responsibility to examine each lot in advance of bidding so as to satisfy themselves concerning condition, genuineness, age, description, etc.  Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is an opinion, and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Reference to condition written, oral or within a condition report shall not be regarded as a full account of condition and may not include all defects, alterations, or restorations. Absence of a condition report does not imply a lot is flawless or lacking imperfections or damage. Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. Returns shall not be accepted on the basis of condition.