A fine and rare pair of George III giltwood four-light wall lights

each in the form of a palm branch entwined with flowerheads and mounted with four berried leafy scrolling candle arms fitted with gilt-metal nozzles. Restorations, replacements, possibly adapted from architectural elements.

Nancy Lancaster, 22 Avery Row, London

J. Cornforth, The Inspiration of the Past, 1985, col. pl. XVI, 22 Avery Row, London, The Yellow Drawing Room, one illustrated flanking a window

Overall good restored condition; re-gilt; some replacements to tips of leaves and foliage, carved elements; metal candle arms possibly replaced.
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.

The form of palm branches is typical of the naturalistic motifs derived from Continental sources and used by English furniture designers and makers in the mid 18^th century, most notably seen in the work of John Vardy for John, Ist Earl Spencer, in the Palm Room at Spencer House, London, probably executed by his brother, Thomas Vardy, the carver and gilder. Vardy designed similar palm-motif furniture for the 5^th Duke of Bolton in 1762-3 at Hackwood Park.

See Vardy's Some Designs of Mr. Inigo Jones and Mr. Wm. Kent, 1744, a design by Jones for 'An Alcove for a Bed at Greenwich for King Charles Ist,' pl. 4, with pilasters in the form of palm tree trunks with palm fronds above.