A George I gilt-gesso pier mirror attributed to John Belchier circa 1715

Later mirror plate; over-gilded.

Supplied to Sir Andrew Fountaine (d. 1753) for his London residence in St. James Place then removed in 1732-3 to Narford Hall, Norfolk
Thence by descent
Commander Andrew Fountaine, RNR, RNTD.
Sold Christie's London, November 14, 1996, lot 15 (£23,000)

Mirror plate replaced; There is layer of later gilding over an older layer of gilding. some small chips and losses to gilding.
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 mirror is very similar to the documented work of the London cabinet-maker John Belchier (d.1753), relates especially to mirrors he supplied to John Meller in 1726 for one of the best bedchambers at Erddig Park, Denbighshire, Wales (now in the Saloon) at a cost of  £50 (see R. Edwards and M. Jourdain, Georgian Cabinet-Makers, rev. ed., London 1946, p. 99, fig. 33 and erroneously attributed to Moore and Gumley).

Belchier, whose name is thought to reflect Huguenot origins, was possibly the son of another important craftsman, also John Belchier, who may well be the tradesman who worked extensively for Ralph, 1st Duke of Montagu, at Boughton House, Northamptonshire, during the latter part of the 17th century. John Belchier, the younger, received his most significant commission from John Meller at Erddig, Wales, for whom he produced not only the comparable mirror (illustrated in Jourdain op. cit. fig.33) but a celebrated suite of gilt and silvered gesso furniture during the 1720s (cf. Martin Drury, 'Early Eighteenth-Century Furniture at Erddig,' Apollo, July 1978, pp.46-55). In the 1730s he also carried out important work for the Purefoy family at Shalston, Buckinghamshire.