MORGAN AND SANDERS; A REGENCY MAHOGANY CAMPAIGN SOFA, CIRCA 1810

Provenance: By repute acquired from The Kepples Head Hotel, Portsmouth, where it was recorded in the 19th Century hotel inventory. 

The Kepples Head is located 100 yards from the main naval base gate and was regularly used by Naval Officers and Diplomats, prior to embarkation from Portsmouth. 

This campaign or metamorphic sofa has been associated to the work of Morgan & Sanders (1801-1820), who alongside Thomas Butler and William Pocock were the leading proponents of ‘patent’ furniture in the Regency era. The designs of which enabled the elite army and navy officers to travel in relative luxury. 

Established in 1801, Morgan & Sanders’  elaborate trade card promoted their business as: ‘ Manufacturers of their New Invented IMPERIAL DINING TABLES & PORTABLE CHAIRS, Improved Sofa Beds, Chair Beds, four Post & Tent Bedsteads, Furniture, Bedding &c. complete at their Upholstery & Cabinet Ware Rooms, Nos. 16 & 17 Catherine Street, Strand’.

In 1805 Morgan & Sanders re-branded their premises as ‘Trafalgar House’, taking advantage of the death of the naval hero and their client, Lord Nelson. Morgan & Sanders had supplied some furniture to Nelson’s house, Merton in Surrey and collapsible pieces were used to furnish HMS Victory.

Interestingly, Morgan & Sanders advertised their designs in R. Ackermann’s monthly periodical, The Repository of Arts, from 1809 to 1815, who’s print shop on the Strand was located yards from the Morgan & Sanders premises. An upper floor is illustrated in No. 8 August 1st, 1809, and shows a range of furniture, including lyre back chairs. The lyre was a popular instrument among aristocratic gentil amateur lady musicians and imbued with illusions of Classical significance.

Condition report: 

Overall in good condition. 

The frame is structurally quite sound. The sides ‘wobble’ when stronger pressure is applied. 

The back is removed by releasing a square screw which is concealed beneath the fabric at the top corners of the back.

The arms are released by unscrewing the same type of square headed screw located to the edge of the underside, beneath the arms. 

The frame has been repaired, repolished and tidied at some point , probably when it was re-upholstered. 

The one side of the lyre is slight loose (right hand side). 

Some brass inlay a little loose to both lyre sides with some pinging up. 

Chip to the back leg foot, inside castor. 

Various other knocks, dents, and signs of wear commensurate with use and age. 

The sofa as not been ‘collapsed’ / deconstructed. 

The upholstery is dirty and dusty. Discolouration in areas commensurate with use and age. 

Please see additional photographs www.bellmans.co.uk