THE DESIGN BY THOMAS CHIPPENDALE, THE EXECUTION ATTRIBUTED TO THOMAS CHIPPENDALE, SENIOR OR JUNIOR, CIRCA 1775

This pair of impressive George III carved giltwood torchères, circa 1775, is inspired by a closely related drawing, circa 1760, attributed by Christopher Gilbert to Thomas Chippendale (d. 1779) now in the George Lock Collection, Victoria and Albert Museum (Christopher Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, vol. II, p. 206, fig. 376). An identical pair of torchères to this design was executed possibly by the Chippendale firm, and is now at Denton Hall, although they may not be indigenous to the house (ibid., p. 206, fig. 377). This drawing derives from the architect-designer, Robert Adam's (d. 1792) neo-classical designs as published in his Works in Architecture (1773-77) in particular a 'Design of a tripod with a Vase and Branches for three Candles'. The present pair of torchères differ slightly from this original drawing reflecting the more elegantly attenuated neo-Classical form, which is characteristic of the firm's later work as they moved from designs for 'Candle Stands' in the 'Chinese Chippendale' and very ornate rococo styles of the 1750s as published in the second edition of Chippendale's book of designs, The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director (1755) (pls. CXX, CXXI, CXXII, CXXIII).