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Description A George III faux marble and carved giltwood pedestal
circa 1770, in the manner of John Linnell
the?fior di pesco?marble inset top over a frieze applied with ribbon-tied foliage on square tapering supports with leaf-carved and beaded borders framing reserves applied with festoons on a green simulated marble?ground?together with two similar, later, examples with brown figured marble tops, possibly incorporating earlier elements
single 120cm. high, 26.5 by 26.5cm., and pair 123cm. high, 26.5 by 26.5cm.
Condition Report Gallery inspection or additional images recommended. It is likely that each pedestal has been re-gilt and restored a considerable time ago. All three with old marks and scratches throughout. Gilding is tired and dirty Period example with ingrained dirt, chips and losses to carved detail and some details possibly replaced. Some lifting and some separation to joins. Movement and splits to faux marble surface, typically along structure points. Marble with very minor chips to edges and two repaired breaks. The pair in similar condition but bearing some curious signs of alteration, including a later border to what appear to be original panels of simulated green marble.
"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."
Literature Inventory, 1885, p. 34, in the entrance hall;
Inventory, 1926, p. 20, in the south room;
H. Avray Tipping, ‘Mersham le Hatch’,?
Country Life, 8 August 1925, photographed in the hall, p. 219;
H. Avray Tipping,
English Homes, Late Georgian, 1760-1820, London, 1926, in situ, p. 124;
Peter Thornton, The Furnishing of Mersham-le-Hatch,
Apollo, June 1970, p. 451, fig. 14 (where all three are catalogued at 18th century);
Christopher Hussey
, English Country Houses, Mid Georgian 1760-1800, London, 1984, in situ, p. 100.
Provenance The 18th century pedestal probably commissioned?by Sir Edward Knatchbull, 7th Baronet (1704-1789)
Notes The green japanned-cum-scagliola surface on these remarkable pedestals - the two later examples apparently incorporating this earlier element - is highly unusual but would have been in keeping with Robert Adam's interiors at Mersham and complimented the green japanned furniture supplied by Thomas Chippendale.
Peter Thornton (op. cit.,?fig. 15) illustrates a design for a pedestal by John Linnell of very similar form, which features neo-classical detailing, and a further closely related example by Linnell also forms part of the Victoria & Albert Museum's extensive collection of his workshop drawings (fig. 1). Whilst they provide an interesting comparison, Linnell is not known to have worked on the Mersham commission and given their architectural form, experimental finish and constructional idiosyncrasies - the fine giltwood leaf mouldings of the 18th century pedestal are pinned as though they were made of gilt-bronze - it is conceivable these were produced by one of Adam's stable of craftsman or an as yet unknown maker Sir Edward employed independently.