We had a word this morning with Ellie Cullman, year in and year out an AD 100 designer and, pleased to say, a good client of ours. With her speciality the use of not just English antiques, but the best quality period pieces of any stripe, our telephone conversation with her this morning put me in mind of one piece she purchased from us several years ago. Although small, it speaks of a presence established less by size than by iconic design.
This George III painted and gilt settee, though slightly less than six feet in length, achieves a presence that far exceeds its mass. With its original paintwork, the gilding picks out features including the Greek fret motif on the arms that distinguish it as the quintessence of neoclassical design.
We were able to pair the settee with a contemporary Colony silk blend fabric, with a sage green colorway that nicely accented the white distemper and gilding of the frame. Frankly, the effect of the piece when it was delivered to Ellie’s client was almost lyrical, 
causing the client to literally dance for joy. Someone often in the public eye, we have seen the client in TV interviews, seated on this settee. If that isn’t presence, then what is?