A George III silver bowl, stand and cover, Henry Green, London, 1788

multi-faceted, brigh-cut engraved, each piece engraved with monogram 'TW', underside of cover inscribed 'Nov^{r the 20th The Gift of Mrs Beckford to Thomas Wildman Aged 15 Months 1788'}

The cover apparently unmarked, general condition good, some minor surface wear commensurate with age, nice. Please note the provenance: Christie's London, 25 October 1989, lot 158 Christie's London, 6 November 1996, lot 120 For further queries regarding this lot please contact the Silver Department directly on +44(0)207.293.5100.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Thomas Wildman (1787-1859) was the son of Thomas Wildman (1740-1795) and Sarah Hardinge (1751-1830). His father, from a rural background in Lancashire, became a MP and eminent solicitor and partner in the successful law firm, at Lincoln's Inn, Coulthard & Wildman.

In 1770, Alderman William Beckford (d. 1770) appointed Thomas Wildman to manage the fortune that his 9 year old son William, was about to inherit. The Wildman brothers became deeply involved in William Beckford's affairs; Thomas was particuarlly involved with Fonthill Abbey, while James became overseer of Quebec estate, Beckford's large sugar plantation in Jamaica. This silver bowl was most probably a gift from Lady Margaret Gordon, William Beckford's wife, to Thomas Wildman's first-born son. A year later William Beckford became godfather to James Wildman's son who was baptised James Beckford Wildman (1789-1867).

Despite their friendship, Thomas and James obtained Quebec estate from the Beckfords in 1790 who were in financial difficulty. They expanded the plantation in spite of William Beckford's efforts to recover the estate, by suing them and accusing them of having drained his fortune. In 1810, the Jamaica almanac lists Quebec as belonging to Thomas Wildman (the recipient of this bowl), owning 883 slaves in place of the 200 during Beckford's ownership. The wealth generated from this plantation provided Wildman with the means to buy Newstead Abbey, from his school friend Lord Byron, in December 1817. He spent £100,000 restoring it, hiring the architect John Shaw to make improvements and amassing there a large collection of Byron memorabilia. The Wildmans entertained many guests at Newstead including Franz Listz the composer and the Duke of Sussex who annually stayed there for a six-week holiday.

As Lord Uxbridge's aide-de-camp at Waterloo, he made famous the amputation of the Lord's leg shot by cannonball. He pursued his career in the Army and was promoted Colonel in 1837.