A Regency patinated bronze chimera-form torchère in the manner of Benjamin Vulliamy First quarter 19th century

Previously fitted as a gas lamp. Losses.

Overall good condition with a torch lacking the fittings to the top probably originally the upper section of the torchere fitted for gas. Patina is dark brown, with minor wear.
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 present torchère closely relates to an etching by the architect Charles Heathcoate Tatham representing an 'Antique Chimière...a fragment of Roma' published in Etchings of Ancient Ornamental Architecture drawn from the Originals in Rome and Other Parts of Italy during the years, 1794, 1795 and 1796, 1799.

This torchère relates to a number of candlesticks signed 'B. Vulliamy' and dated 1811, including a pair which sold at Sotheby's, London, July 2, 2003, lot 135; another pair signed 'B. Vulliamy & Sons' and dated 'Dec 1 1809', the earliest recorded pair, sold from the Fermor-Hesketh Collection, Christie's, London, July 7, 1988, lot 8.

The Vulliamy firm was established by François Justin Vulliamy (1712-97) in the mid 18th century.  François Vulliamy is believed to have left his native Switzerland in the 1730s and by 1743 had set up in partnership with Benjamin Gray, Watchmaker to the King.  Following François Vulliamy's death in 1797, his son Benjamin (d. 1819) took over the running of the business.  Hew was joined as partner by his son, Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy (1780-1854) in 1806.  Between them the Vulliamys were responsible for some of the finest ornaments and mounts produced in England in the 18th and 19th centuries, winning commissions from the Prince Regent and other distinguished patrons of the period.