Loveday Antiques Ltd

Description

A Very Fine and Early English Giltwood Rococo Mirror with Carved with Fronds and Green Bullrushes very much in the manner of John and William Linnell.
English Circa 1760
Provenance
Percy Cook, trading as A. Cook Antiques, 12-16 St Christopher's Place off of Wigmore Street in Marylebone, London (dealer label on the backboard of the frame)
At some stage the mirror has passed through the workshops of the famous restorers and gilders W. Thomas Ltd. as their label is stuck to the inside of the backboard. W. Thomas worked extensively with Partridge Fine Arts of Bond Street, one of the most venerable of all antique dealers, but also worked with other fine dealers and private clients. As can be seen their gilt work is of the highest quality and finish.

The mirror is of broadly rectangular outline with a beautiful later mercury plate, of fine colour and with little deteoriation to the mirrored surface. The frame has a rocaille cresting, the sweeping branches which frame it giving it something of a pagoda form. This is mirrored in a stylised anthemion to the base, and the sides are ornamented with very finely carved reeds of particularly naturalistic execution. A very rare feature are the green coloured bull rushes to be found in two places amongst the fronds on each side.

The use of palm fronds in English interiors of the 18th century perhaps reached its zenith in John Vardy's famous palm room designed for Spencer House in St James, London. Designed in 1757, the room is one of the most astonishing interiors created in this period and was very influential in its effect on the taste of connoisseurs of the time.
Amongst the surviving Linnell drawings in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum are several mirror designs which incorporate fronds and have a similar feeling to our piece. Oval mirrors in frames of carved fronds are known to have been a speciality of the firm (see Helena Hayward and Patricia Kirkham John and William Linnell: Eighteenth Century Furniture Makers Vol. 2 fig. 196 p.102 for an illustration of this popular design) and it is extremely possible, given the delicacy of its excecution and the fine quality of its design, that our piece was also made by this important London workshop based in Berkeley Square.

Width: 26 1/2 inches - 67cm
Height: 44 1/2 inches - 114cm
Depth: 6 1/2 inches - 16cm
Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London. Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.
Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

FREE UK MAINLAND SHIPPING INCLUDED WITHIN THE PRICE.
(possible surcharge for remote areas of Wales and Scotland)

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS
All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.
Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS
We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.
We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.

Please contact us for location and appointments.

Telephone 01438 869 819

Email info@lovedayantiques.co.uk

Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.

Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.
If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment

We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.