A pair of Impressive polychrome decorated pressed and wrought metal hall lanterns circa 1890, the design attributed to Sir Ernest George

each of hexagonal form with scrolled and foliate decoration, each side with applied armorials of the Mitfords (Barons Redesdale), the Ogilvys (The Earls of Airlie) and the two conjoined for Freeman Mitford, 1st Baron Redesdale of the second creation and his wife Lady Gertrude Ogilvy, daughter of the 7th Earl of Airlie, ending in a boldly turned pendant

Commissioned by Algernon Bertram Freeman-Mitford, later 1st Baron Redesdale (1837-1916) for the hall at Batsford Park, Gloucestershire

Fascinating objects and extremely decorative. Each have losses to the painted decoration and have been wired for electricity. Some fo the metal work is a bit misshapen and some of the more delicate pieces have losses. The turned finials have some age cracks. Please note the electrical fittings would need to be tested by a qualified electrician before use.
"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."

These spectacular hall lanterns were in all probability designed by Sir Ernest George (1839-1922) for the vast entrance hall he designed for Freeman-Mitford as part of the new house at Batsford which was built between 1888-1893. Sir Ernest George, the partner of Harold Peto, the garden designer and friend of Freeman-Mitford was commissioned to replace the Greek Revival house which Freeman-Mitford has inherited on the death of his cousin in 1886. The architect's ambition was to create 'a symmetrical Tudor house in a broad and dignified way, after the manor of an old building of the period, avoiding prettiness or the fanciful'. His entrance hall acheived this spectacularly with exposed stonework, varnished panelling, lofty windows and an open beamed chestnut ceiling. The lanterns provided the only exotic note with their painted decoration a brilliant synthesis of Tudor design, drawing inspiration from the celebrated bosses in Henry VIIIs Great Hall at Hampton Court.

It is conceivable that Sir Ernest's assitant, a brilliant young designer named Guy Dawber, may well have had a hand in their conception. The armorials painted on the lanterns are those of Freeman and Mitford and his wife Lady Gertrude.

Lord Redesdale was an extravagant builder and gardener so much so that he over stretched his finances and by 1910 Batsford had to be let. After the First World War his second son, second Lord Redesdale sold the property to Sir Gilbert Wills, later first Lord Dulverton. Lord Redesdale with his children, Tom and the Mitford sisters, moved first to Asthall Manor and then to Swinbrook House.