Tiffany Studios

Mrs. T.W. Fitch, Jr., Sewickley, PA
Private Collection, Pennsylvania
Christie's New York, December 7, 2005, lot 314
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Overall in very good original condition. The fountain has been sensitively removed from the original setting and remains in very good structural condition as a result. The glass with approximately 5 cracked tiles, and one bruised tile to the proper right gilt decorative border to the back of the fountain. A few of the small rectangular tiles to the semi-circular flat surface of the front apron with minor edge losses. The glass throughout displays a beautifully artistic selection in which many of the tiles in both the flowerheads and the decorative border in the back of the fountain are delicately backed with gold foil to increase the luminosity. The irises are articulated in hues ranging from pale pink to vibrant purples and further offset with the shades of kelly green, turquoise and yellow in the foliate elements. The interior of the bowl is articulated in a varied palette of rich jewel tones of blues, purples, turquoise and greens. The glass to the lower portion of the basin with losses to the iridization, likely from water exposure. The stone is executed in multiple hues to further the decorative effect, as seen in the catalogue illustration. The stone with surface dirt throughout, mainly concentrated to the recessed portions. The back concave portion below the floriform spigot with some loss of coloration and staining consistent with use (as seen in the catalogue illustration). The fountain comprises two elements (the basin and the arched top) and has some mortar losses at the joint of these elements, which is visible in the catalogue illustration. The fountain retains many of the original plumbing elements, including the floriform spigot, the rectangular overflow and the waste drain. The floriform spigot with rubbing to the patina, surface residue and oxidation. Presently lacking hardware to affix the spigot to the plumbing elements in the concave back of the fountain. There are portions of the original plumbing to both the spigot and waste drain which are not visible in the catalogue illustration. The reverse of the two elements retains some original masonry as a result of the removal from the original setting. The basin is presently affixed to a large masonry element that appears to contain later and original elements. Please contact the department for more photographs of the de-installed fountain showing these elements. The fountain presents beautifully in person with a highly artistic glass selection heightened by the luminosity imparted from the foil backing. The intricate floral decoration is complemented by the form of the fountain to add further elegance to the overall presentation. The refined scale makes it ideally suited for a domestic installation.
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.

In 1921, Mrs. T.W. Fitch, Jr. hired Ingram & Boyd, a well-known Pittsburgh based architectural firm, to renovate her new home in Sewickley, Pennsylvania.  Founded in 1911, this firm had designed a number of notable residences in the prosperous suburbs of Pittsburgh, including Sewickley and neighboring Edgeworth.  The present wall-mounted fountain was part of the refurbished interior for the Fitch residence and was installed in a room adjacent to the gardens.

A watercolor drawing for the commission of this basin fountain is in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (acc. no. 67.654.406) and reveals a more neoclassical design to be executed in marble.  The realized fountain shows modifications, likely requested by Mrs. Fitch, including the addition of the elaborate favrile glass Iris ornamentation along the vertical sides.  The present lot shows the exceedingly intricate and naturalistic decoration undertaken by the master craftsmen in the mosaic workshop of Tiffany Studios.