A George I Giltwood and Gilt Gesso Mirror in the manner of John Belchier, Circa 1725

Mallett, London;

Private Collection, New York, acquired October 1983;

Sotheby's New York, 17 April 2024, lot 18.

The eagle's heads, masks, strapwork and scrolling cartouche and borders are all typical elements found in the work of John Belchier (d.1753). Possibly of Huguenot origin, Belchier was born in Oxfordshire and served his apprenticeship with the London Joiners' Company from 1699-1707. By 1717 he was established at 'The Sun' in St Paul's Churchyard, London, where his trade bill described his activities as a supplier of 'All sorts of Cabinet Work, Chairs, Glasses, Sconces, & Coach Glasses’, and another trade bill indicated he ‘Grinds & Makes-up all sorts of fine Peer & Chimney Glasses and Glass Sconces, Likewise all Cabbinet Makers Goods’, suggesting mirrors and sconces were a particular specialty of his workshop. His most significant client was the London lawyer and Master of the High Court of Chancery John Meller (1665-1733) for his country estate at Erdigg near Wrexham, and in addition to pier glasses and sconces Belchier provided a magnificent carved and gilt wood State Bed in 1720 and is believed to have supplied two japanned bureau cabinets, another type of furniture with which Belchier's workshop is often associated.