Lot 27
  • 27

A PAIR OF GEORGE II CARVED GILTWOOD PIER MIRRORS, CIRCA 1755, MANNER OF JOHN LINNELL |

Estimate
25,000 - 40,000 GBP
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Description

  • 214cm. high, 103cm. wide; 7ft. ¼in., 3ft. 4½in.
with arched divided plates in shaped borders carved with up-springing foliage and sprays of flowers rising to a lambrequin cresting, re-gilt and with replacements to mirror plates

Literature

Inventory of the Property of Oswald A. Smith at 73 Eaton Square, 1890, possibly 'Middle Drawing Room / 2 pier glasses in gold frame[s]';
Inventory of the property of Guy O. Smith at 33 Grosvenor Street, 1904, possibly 'Front Drawing Room / Two pier glasses in gilt frames'

Condition

Very impressive and decorative. With some later gilding and replaced glass panels.
"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

This pair of beautifully carved giltwood pier mirrors epitomises the whimsical style of the English rococo as seen through the eyes of John Linnell (1729–96), one of the most creative English 18th century carvers and designers. The form of the present mirrors, with the use of interlocking foliate carved C-scrolls, floral garlands and slender columnar uprights, derives from several Linnell designs from 1755 to 1760 identifiable in his surviving manuscript drawings preserved in the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London (see E. 3715-1911, E. 205-1929, E. 226-1929)1. The floral basket, so often employed as an ornate cresting, has in this instance been incorporated to the apron. 1 E. 205-1929 and E. 226-1929 are reproduced in Hayward, H. and Kirkham, P, William and John Linnell, London, 1980, p. 96, figs. 184 and 186.