Fair condition; re-decorated; appears to have been painted numerous times. It appears to be veneered or faced with deal in order to take paint; there are some small areas of gilding to the moldings present; the original decoration scheme is not known and we would recommend having paint analysis done to determine the original decoration. The bookcase may have been originally part of a fitment in a room, although the upper section is nicely paneled to the back whilst the lower section has back boards and is not paneled; some of the drawers maintain their original marbleized paper which is a typical Chippendale feature. The left lower section may have associated drawers which are smaller in width than the right side and have different hardware; the plinth base may have some re-building. Parts of the central flower-head roundels to the glass upper section may be replaced; the quality of the carving and the overall presence and proportion suggest the workshop of Thomas Chippendale; there are numerous small losses and chips to the paint; left glass door with a thin hairline crack; chips and losses to the paint of the base with some chips and wear to the moldings particularly at the corners; some age cracks to deal facings; the carcass is sturdy and would benefit from conservation.
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.
This breakfront bookcase is very similar to the documented work of Thomas Chippendale. The use of finely carved circular and oval patera as well as the fluted frieze and similar moldings to the cornice of this bookcase is nearly identical to a suite of bookcases he supplied to Sir Penistone Lamb, 1
st Viscount Melbourne from 1772-75 for the library at Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire (illustrated, C. Gilbert,
The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, New York, 1978, vol. II, pp. 50, figs. 76-77) Both these bookcases and the present bookcase have similar proportions and details and were conceived in the manner of free-standing cabinets; however the bookcases at Brocket Hall are built-ins. The joinery of the present bookcase suggests that it too may have been a built-in. Sir William Chambers was the chief architect at Brocket Hall and Melbourne House, Piccadilly. The relationship between Chambers and Chippendale appears to have been a competitive one, Chambers insisting on approving all designs by Chippendale for this commission and becoming perturbed when Chippendale proposed designs directly to Sir Penistone Lamb (
ibid, vol, I, p. 260).
The design of the glazing bars is nearly identical to those of a Press for David Garrick’s villa at Hampton, Middlesex, now in the Victorian & Albert Museum (ibid. vol. I, p. 39, fig. 62). David Garrick (1717-1779) was born in Hereford in 1717 and had come to London aged 20 with his friend Dr. Johnson. By 1740 he had had his first play performed and made his debut as an actor in 1741; he managed and became the major shareholder in the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane (then England's premier playhouse) from 1747 until he retired from the stage in 1776. Garrick became the most famous man of his day, what we term now a celebrity and ordered furniture from Chippendale between 1768 and 1778. The decorative scheme of the present bookcase is also nearly identical to a suite of furniture Chippendale supplied to Garrick which was painted green and white; however, the painted decoration of the present bookcase is later and conceals a number of painting schemes beneath the present decoration.
