An impressive and extremely rare George II gilt-lead chandelier chain second quarter 18th century

each leaf cast link of bold and intricate form

Commissioned by Sir Richard Child for The Grand Hall, Wanstead House, Essex;
Thence by descent to Catherine Tylney Long, who married William Pole Tylney Long Wellesley (1778-1857) in 1812;
The Wanstead House Sale, 10th June 1822, lots 37 and lot 38 'A Magnificent Massive Chandelier... (with) solid metal gilt ornamental chain. Bt. William Spencer Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire at the cost of £283 10s and £309 15s, being the most expensive items in the sale

Llewellyn-Jewiit and S. C. Hall, The Stately Homes of England, 1880, p. 360;
Anon, Historic Houses of the United Kingdom, 1892, p. 113;
Francis Thompson, A History of Chastworth, 1949, p. 199 illus. pl. 88;
Denis Keeling, Wanstead House and Chatsworth, 1997, pp. 4 & 10;
The Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth; The House, 2002, p. 127;

Fair condition and mostly in tact. Approximately 75cm detached section and another loose link. The gilding is very worn with only traces remaining. Some damage and losses throughout. Very impressive and of fine quality.
"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."

This magnificent gilt-lead chandelier chain was conceived for Wanstead House in Essex, the magnificent seat of Sir Richard Child, 1st Earl of Tylney (1680-1750) designed by Colen Campbell, built between 1715 and 1722. The chain was employed to hang the two great chandeliers in the double height central hall, which accounts for its great length. Wanstead descended to Catherine Tylney Long (1789-1825) who married the spendthrift William Pole Tylney Long Wellesley (1778-1857) in 1812. He amassed very considerable debts forcing the family trustees to sell the contents and demolish the house in 1822. 

This enforced sale was entitled Magnificent Furniture, Collection of Fine Paintings & Sculpture, Massive Silver and Gilt Plate, Splendid Library of Choice Books and lasted a staggering thirty-one days. The chandeliers and their massive chains were sold as Lot 37 and Lot 38 and were described as follows; A Magnifcent Massive Chandelier, exquisitely carved, and richly gilt, with a grand Raffle leaf vase Centre, and Corinthian Cap, surmounted by a Superb Eagle destroying a Snake, on a Rock, with eight splendid scroll branches, and Head ornaments, Flower  Sconces, &c. supporting brass patent Socket Lamps, solid metal gilt ornamental Chain to ceiling, and crimson-ground chints Case, lined white Calico, Lot 38 ditto, to Correspond. They where to be the most expensive lots in the sale, selling for £283 0s and  £309 15s respectively to the 6th Duke of Devonshire.

They where incorporated into Sir Jeffry Wyatville's new sculpture gallery at Chatsworth and the 6th Duke takes note of them in his Handbook. The Chandeliers were bought at Wanstead; they accord well with the capitals and the other few gilded ornaments in the room. The eagles originally had snakes in their beaks, but that gave offence, as an indignity to my crest, that I was compelled to remove the much respected reptiles, and make the eagles support the termination of their chains instead.

The sculpture gallery being of less height than the entrance hall at Wanstead one of the chains were not required. It seems to have been in store at the Granary in Chatsworth since that time.