Lot 49
  • 49

POSSIBLY DESIGNED BY ALFRED WATERHOUSE AND ATTRIBUTED TO HENRY CAPEL | Chimneypiece

Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
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Description

  • Chimneypiece
  • carved mahogany
  • 129 by 192 by 28.5cm., 50¾ by 75½ by 11¼in.
  • second half 19th century

Provenance

This chimneypiece was installed on the ground floor of The Fine Art Society before the re-installation of the original by George Faulkner Armitage.

Condition

Generally in very good order. The mantelpiece with marks and scratches, some old and some more recent but easily polished out if required. The aperture to the middle 91.5 by 120cm. approx. Chip to end lock of jamb right proper.
"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

The attribution of Henry Capel is based on a trade card for his business published circa 1875 (V&A, London, acc. no. 29637:138), this features a strikingly similar chimneypiece. Capel produced 'Art Furniture' for wealthy clients and his Tottenham Court Road premises formed part of a group of cabinet maker-retailers who from around 1860 sold fashionable ready-made pieces. Interestingly Capel worked with Alfred Waterhouse (1830-1905) on over 30 of his projects so he could be the designer, other notable collaborators with Capel included Norman Shaw. Capel's firm is recorded as working throughout the 1870s and as exhibitors at the Paris Universal Exhibition of 1878.