A large two-tone giltwood gesso overmantel mirror, possibly executed by Morant and Sons, second quarter 19th century

the oblong plate within attenuated stylised palm tree uprights with dead game and cherubs spearing dragons, the crest with billing doves, gilding refreshed in part

Probably supplied by G J Morant and retailed by Thomas Fairs, 139 New Bond Street to William F Middleton (d. 1860);
Moved to Shrubland Park, Suffolk by William Middleton and thence by descent;
Sold Shrubland Park House Sale, Sotheby's, 19-21 September 2006, lot 189. 

An impressive and well carved mirror in reasonable restored condition. Some small chips and losses to the gilt gesso surface which would generally benefit from a clean as it has accumulated dust and ingrained dirt/detritus. Gilding and painted surface refreshed in areas, notably where there are loses to gilt gesso which could be improved. Surface with later varnish. Loses and minor restorations to carved detail consistent with age and use.
"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."

Shrubland Park, the vast Italianate Pallazzo overlooking the Gipping Valley, Suffolk, stands as one of the most audacious architectural achievements of any English country house. The original house was designed in 1770 by James Paine (1717 - 1789) and still remains the central core of Shrubland, however, it was during Sir William Middleton’s tenure at the house that the most extraordinary development took place. Employing the architect James Gandy-Deering (1787 - 1850) and subsequently Alexander Roos (1810 - 1881) Middleton set about re-designing both the aspect and interior of the house. The façade to the front of the house was extended and the terraced gardens raised, relegating the ground floor as the principal suite of rooms. The first floor thus became a classical Piano Nobile and required new furnishing to suit.

The family archives reveal that the Middleton’s were rapacious collectors. Repeated continental tours saw them return with works of art including Soldier Gambling by Caravaggio bought from the Giustinini Palace in Rome and The Virgin and Child attributed to Bernado Luini from the Acquila Palace in Como. In England the family were buying furniture and decorative arts form the great London makers and dealers with invoices from Baldock, Miles and Edwards, Thomas Fairs and G J Morant. It is known that Fairs was responsible for supplying a pair of console tables and this mirror for the drawing room, however, it is likely that he was merely the retailer and it was G J Morant who was responsible for executing the work. The firm is known to have worked closely with the architect James Barry, who carried out the 19^th century alterations at Shrublands. The mirror also bears stylistic similarities with some of the firm’s known work dating from the middle of the 19^th century. In 1984 a table with very similar cherub supports, similarly white painted and parcel-gilt was sold through the dealer Tony Bunzl, which was stamped G.I.Morant, 91 Bond Street. Some of the furniture supplied for both Arundel Castle and Lancaster House also bears similarities.