18th century sofas from west Norfolk home to sell at auction

The sofas have beaded and gilded frames painted grey, with floral silk cushions. They are estimated to be worth around £16,000 for all four, though they will be sold as two pairs.

Bob sitting comfortably on one of the sofas situated in the Marble Hall at Raynham Hall (Image: Sworders)

They were originally part of a suite, decorated in the 'French antique' or 'Grecian' style favoured by Francophiles advising the Prince Regent.

The settees were almost certainly commissioned by George, 1st Marquess Townshend, for his home, Raynham Hall.

Lord and Lady Townshend sitting on one of the sofas due to be sold by Sworders with dogs Bob and Fred (Image: Sworders)

The Marquess has a glittering military career, fighting in the Siege of Quebec and becoming the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1767. His wife, Anne Montgomery, was Mistress of the Robes to Caroline, Princess of Wales, in 1795.

The settees have stayed in the house since their commission, recorded there in 1811 and 1909.

Raynham Hall (Image: Raynham Hall)

The sofas will be sold at auction by Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers in their Fine Interiors sale on September 14 and 15.

A similar set of 16 chairs sold at auction in 2013 for £31,250.