A pair of Regency painted cast iron griffon-shaped firedogs circa 1820, after a design by Thomas Hope

William, 4th Earl Fitzwilliam (d. 1833) and by descent at Wentworth Woodhouse until 1998

Sold, Christie's, London, February 11, 1999, lot 14

In overall good condition with numerous chips and wear to the later painted surface with some small areas of rust, some wings loose, old repaired breaks to one griffon's left wing This lot will be offered without reserve.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This model incorporating a lion-bodied eagle which was sacred to Apollo, was first introduced as guardian firedog "chenets" after the French antique manner at the connoisseur Thomas Hope's Duchess Street mansion at the beginning of the 19th century (T. Hope, Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, London, 1807, pl. LVIII).

These fire dogs, and the following lot, are likely to have been commissioned by William, 4th Earl Fitzwilliam (d. 1833) for the Pillared Hall fireplaces at Wentworth Woodhouse, Yorkshire, as part of the enlargement and redecoration undertaken circa 1820.