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Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level D , Case 94, Shelf I, Box 31

Print

1740-1765 (designed), ca.1769-ca.1797 (designed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This design came to the museum in an album of designs entitled Original Designs by Matts Lock, Carver 1740 - 1765. Most designs are associated with the well-known Rococo designer and carver Matthias Lock, but the album includes a number of designs which should probably be associated with a later Matthias Lock, recorded at Clerkenwell Green in 1788-1797, who is probably his son. These include neo-classical mirror designs, and designs for foliate ornament. In 1769, a Matthias Lock published A New Book of Foliage for the Instruction of Young Artists and A New Book of Pier Frame’s, Oval’s, Gerandole’s, Tables, &c, all in the neo-classical style. This is presumably also the son. The neo-classical style and presentation of this chair design closely match the neo-classical mirror designs which have been attributed to the younger Lock. It is therefore possible that this chair design also belongs to the son. The album was bought from a descendant, probably his grandson, George Lock, and had been exhibited by him at the International Exhibition held at South Kensington in 1862.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Pen and ink and wash on paper
Brief description
Two designs for neo-classical chairs, in two halves of the same design, in pen, ink and yellow and green wash on paper, from an album by Matthias Lock.
Physical description
Two designs for upholstered chairs shown within one chair design divided into two halves. In neo-classical style, the woodwork is shaded yellow, suggesting gilding, and the upholstery is shaded pale green. Both designs have an oval back and seat. The left hand design has an arm curving directly out of the back woodwork, with the side of the arm upholstered and a small upoholstered arm rest. The base of the arm curves directly into the leg. The woodowrk has beeded edging, with a ribbon garland decoration. Acanthus leaves curve along the arm and down over the leg. This stands on a tapered foot. The right hand design has an overlapping leaf pattern to the woodwork with the back connected to the seat by a grooved vertical. The leg is turned with a tapered foot and a leaf capital which joins the seat in a rosette motif.
Dimensions
  • Height: 257mm
  • Width: 184mm
Style
Production typeDesign
Object history
Drawing this design in two halves allowed Lock to show the designs for both chair types within a dining suite, whilst economising space within the one design.
Subject depicted
Summary
This design came to the museum in an album of designs entitled Original Designs by Matts Lock, Carver 1740 - 1765. Most designs are associated with the well-known Rococo designer and carver Matthias Lock, but the album includes a number of designs which should probably be associated with a later Matthias Lock, recorded at Clerkenwell Green in 1788-1797, who is probably his son. These include neo-classical mirror designs, and designs for foliate ornament. In 1769, a Matthias Lock published A New Book of Foliage for the Instruction of Young Artists and A New Book of Pier Frame’s, Oval’s, Gerandole’s, Tables, &c, all in the neo-classical style. This is presumably also the son. The neo-classical style and presentation of this chair design closely match the neo-classical mirror designs which have been attributed to the younger Lock. It is therefore possible that this chair design also belongs to the son. The album was bought from a descendant, probably his grandson, George Lock, and had been exhibited by him at the International Exhibition held at South Kensington in 1862.
Collection
Accession number
2848:148

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Record createdJune 30, 2009
Record URL
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