ENGLISH SCHOOL, 19TH CENTURY | A set of eleven portraits of historic 'eminent personages'

Warwick, The Royal Pavilion, The Royal Show, June 1892;
Warwick, Plucknett & Co. Showrooms, 1892-1908 (until presumably sold, Edwards & Son, Catalogue of the Stock of Furniture, Oil Paintings [etc], 8-11 December 1908)

The output of James Plucknett (1836-1905) was as varied as his career path. He trained as a doctor, cabinet maker and architect always striving to be a draughtsman. It was his workshop in Warwick producing furnishings in a historical revivalist style for which he is best known. This culminated in 1884 with a commission for furnishing Leamington Spa Town Hall (arch. John Cundall). He also produced ‘Art Furniture’ (from 1884 a term featured in advertisements) and was inspired by makers such as E. W. Godwin.  Plucknett & Co (called so from late 1880s) provided a ‘complete service’, producing suitable pieces and interior architecture for the home and this is evidenced in a photograph of their showroom, showing the present works in situ from 1908. Plucknett’s decoration of the Royal Pavilion for the Royal Show held in Warwick is wonderfully described in The Leamington Spa Courier, 21 June 1892, the pavilion is fitted with ‘the finest specimens of cabinet work’ much of which was leant by clients and the portraits are described thus ‘The oak panelling… enriched by some fine old [sic] portraits on panels, of eminent personages, including Queen Elizabeth.. [etc]'. Plucknett revelled in the history of 'olde' England, a passion clearly exhibited in the present lot.