The Gilded Lion Armchair: A Neoclassical Masterpiece from Spencer House

A Statement Piece with Royal Heritage

The Gilded Lion Upholstered Armchair is not merely furniture—it's a piece of British architectural history. Part of a suite originally designed for the Painted Room at Spencer House, London, this exceptional armchair brings the grandeur of 18th-century neoclassical design into your home.

Originally priced at £7,810, this museum-quality piece is now available at £4,686, a remarkable saving of over £3,100. This ready-to-deliver piece represents a rare opportunity to own a museum-quality reproduction with direct lineage to one of London's finest Georgian townhouses. With only 3 available in stock, this is truly an unrepeatable item.

The Spencer House Legacy

Spencer House, built between 1756 and 1766 for the first Earl Spencer, stands as one of London's most magnificent surviving 18th-century aristocratic townhouses. The Painted Room, where this furniture suite was originally conceived, showcases the work of James Stuart—one of Britain's pioneering neoclassical architects.

Stuart, often called "Athenian Stuart" for his archaeological studies in Greece, was among the first to introduce authentic neoclassical design to Britain. His work at Spencer House predated Robert Adam's more famous neoclassical interiors, making these designs historically significant in the evolution of English taste.

The Painted Room itself is a masterpiece, with walls adorned in arabesques and oval panels inspired by the recent archaeological discoveries at Herculaneum and Pompeii. Stuart's furniture designs echoed this classical vocabulary, drawing inspiration from Greek and Roman thrones supported by mythical beasts.

Exceptional Design Features

Every element of the Gilded Lion Armchair demonstrates the sophistication of neoclassical design:

• Upholstered back with guilloche carved arched top rail and sides—a classical motif of interlaced bands
• Acanthus baton arms with magnificent lion carved terminals, showcasing the period's love of naturalistic detail
• Bellflower and palmette cabriole legs combining strength with elegance
• Upholstered seat with kidney pillow featuring lion head terminals
• Winged lion carved sides with lion legs, paw feet, and disc bases—the defining feature that gives this chair its commanding presence
• Hand-applied gilding that catches and reflects light, creating drama in any setting
• Green leather upholstery with loose cushion in Ian Sanderson Zarina Seafoam fabric

The Symbolism of Lions

The use of winged lions throughout this design is deeply symbolic. In classical antiquity, lions represented power, courage, and nobility—qualities the Spencer family wished to project. The winged aspect adds a mythological dimension, evoking griffins and other protective beasts from Greek and Roman art.

James Stuart's bold decision to make these gilded lions so prominent was revolutionary for its time. Rather than subtle classical references, he created furniture that made an unambiguous statement about the owner's taste, education, and status.

Styling Your Space

The Gilded Lion Armchair commands attention and deserves thoughtful placement:

In a Traditional Drawing Room:
Position as a throne-like statement piece, flanked by more understated seating. The green leather works beautifully with rich wall colours—consider deep reds, golds, or traditional library greens. Pair with antique mirrors and classical artwork to create a cohesive Georgian aesthetic.

In a Contemporary Interior:
Use as a dramatic focal point against minimalist backdrops. The contrast between the ornate gilding and clean modern lines creates sophisticated tension. White or pale grey walls allow the gilding to truly shine.

In a Study or Library:
Perfect as a reading chair or desk chair for a grand home office. The upright back provides excellent support, while the visual impact reinforces the room's importance.

Complementary Pieces:

• Pair with neoclassical side tables or console tables
• Coordinate with other pieces from the Althorp Living History collection
• Combine with classical mirrors to multiply the gilded effect
• Add period-appropriate lighting—consider gilt bronze or crystal chandeliers

The Craftsmanship

This reproduction maintains the exacting standards of the original 18th-century pieces. The carving work alone represents hundreds of hours of skilled craftsmanship. Each lion head, each acanthus leaf, each palmette is individually carved and finished.

The gilding process follows traditional methods, with multiple layers applied and burnished to achieve the warm, lustrous finish characteristic of period furniture. This isn't simply gold paint—it's authentic gilding that will develop a beautiful patina over time.

The upholstery combines period-appropriate techniques with modern comfort. The green leather is hand-selected for quality and colour consistency, while the Zarina Seafoam cushion fabric adds a subtle contemporary touch that complements rather than competes with the classical design.

Specifications

Dimensions:
Width: 99 cm (38¾")
Depth: 94 cm (37")
Height: 95 cm (37¼")

Materials:
Carved and gilded wood frame
Green leather upholstery
Ian Sanderson Zarina Seafoam fabric cushion
Traditional hand-applied gilding

Features:
Part of the Althorp Living History collection
Based on original Spencer House designs
Ready to deliver from stock
Unrepeatable item—only 3 available
Museum-quality reproduction

Item Code: AL42056

The Althorp Living History Collection

This armchair is part of our exclusive Althorp Living History collection, which brings together historically significant furniture designs with the highest standards of contemporary craftsmanship. Each piece in this collection tells a story of British heritage, aristocratic taste, and architectural innovation.

The collection represents a collaboration between historical research, master craftsmen, and discerning collectors who appreciate furniture with provenance and meaning.

Why This Piece Matters

In an age of mass production, the Gilded Lion Armchair represents something increasingly rare: furniture with soul, history, and genuine artistic merit. It's a conversation piece, a work of decorative art, and a supremely comfortable seat—all in one.

For collectors of neoclassical furniture, students of architectural history, or anyone who appreciates the finest in English decorative arts, this armchair offers a tangible connection to one of the most important moments in British design history.

Available Now

Unlike many pieces of this calibre, the Gilded Lion Armchair is available for immediate delivery. With only 3 in stock and marked as an unrepeatable item, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of exceptional quality and historical significance.

Whether you're furnishing a period property, adding gravitas to a contemporary space, or building a collection of significant furniture, this armchair deserves serious consideration.

Ready to make a statement? The Gilded Lion Upholstered Armchair is available now from our Nettlebed showroom. Experience the grandeur of Spencer House in your own home.