- 45
A George III cut-glass eight-light chandelier, in the manner of William Parker circa 1785
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Glass
- 116cm. high, 82cm. wide; 3ft. 9½in., 2ft. 8½in.
the up-scrolled serrated arms with faceted spires festooned with drop chains, issuing from a compound baluster stem
Condition
Very good restored condition. Minor chips and losses commensurate with age. There may be some replaced elements. The candle nozzles missing. Sotheby's would recommend that this lot was rewired by a professional electrician.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
William Parker is without doubt one of the most luminous names in the history English chandelier making, he is credited with the introduction of neo classical elements into chandelier design. Parker operated out of Fleet Street from 1762, his first attributable work was commissioned by the Furnishing Committee of the New Assembly rooms, Bath, in 1771. His work for the assembly rooms was celebrated enough at the time to be satirised by Thomas Rowlandson, according to Martin Mortimer ‘Parker was the man of the moment, competent reliable fashionable. He provided the most splendid suite of chandeliers in the country at that for one of the most fashionable centres.’ Parker’s renown was only to grow: he was commissioned to provide chandeliers for the Guildhall in bath in 1778; in 1782 he supplied a pair of twelve light chandeliers to the 5thDuke of Devonshire for Chatsworth amongst other lighting; from 1783 to 1787 he furnished Carlton House for the Prince of Wales and his creations also adorned the White Drawing Room at Houghton Hall and the home of William Beckford during his exile in Lisbon.
The form of this chandelier relates to a small group by Parker which are very similar in form and feature the same decorative devices. This group all have a scalloped corona, a tier of spikes and eight scrolled branches arranged around and positioned below a baluster stem and are decorated throughout with festoons and pendants. The closest in form can be dated. It was supplied in 1788 by Parker for the Dining Room at Arbury Hall Nuneaton by Sir Robert Newdegate, and is illustrated M. Mortimer, The English Glass Chandelier, Woodbridge, 2000, p.19, colour pl.10, p.101, pl.47 and p.102, pl.48.) and is very similar.
The form of this chandelier relates to a small group by Parker which are very similar in form and feature the same decorative devices. This group all have a scalloped corona, a tier of spikes and eight scrolled branches arranged around and positioned below a baluster stem and are decorated throughout with festoons and pendants. The closest in form can be dated. It was supplied in 1788 by Parker for the Dining Room at Arbury Hall Nuneaton by Sir Robert Newdegate, and is illustrated M. Mortimer, The English Glass Chandelier, Woodbridge, 2000, p.19, colour pl.10, p.101, pl.47 and p.102, pl.48.) and is very similar.
See the example hanging in the Yellow Drawing Room at Chatsworth which was supplied by Parker to William, 5th Duke of Devonshire between 1782-83 and is illustrated by The Duchess of Devonshire, Chatsworth, The House, London, 2002, p. 175.
Also see the example attributed to Parker, that was with Hotspur Ltd. London and features on the cover of Mortimers book (op. cit. and also appears in the same, pl.17).