Design for a pier-glass for Lord North from; A Miscellaneous Collection of Original Designs, made, and for the most part executed, during an extensive Practice of many years in the first line of his Profession, by John Linnell, Upholsterer Carver & Cabinet Maker. Selected from his Portfolios at his Decease, by C. H. Tatham Architect. AD 1800.
Drawing
late 18th century (made)
late 18th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This design for a pier-glass was intended for Lord North (who was Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1770 to 1782) possibly for his home Wroxton Abbey, Oxfordshire. Originally pier-glasses and a girandole to this design were intended to be made for him.
While the design is carefully executed, Linnell has chosen different decorative detail on either side of the frame, probably so that his client could choose. Linnell was using bow motifs (such as in this design) on his designs for chairs, inspired by the French designer J.C. Delafosse.
Pier-glasses were a popular form of 18th century furnishing and were commonly placed on the wall in between two windows (known as the pier wall). Extremely elaborate pier glasses, such as the ones designed by John Linnell, were often used to emphasise the grandeur of a wealthy household. They were also important sources of light during the 18th century as they would reflect candle light. Pier-glasses of this design could have been used within state rooms such as drawing rooms, dining rooms and galleries.
While the design is carefully executed, Linnell has chosen different decorative detail on either side of the frame, probably so that his client could choose. Linnell was using bow motifs (such as in this design) on his designs for chairs, inspired by the French designer J.C. Delafosse.
Pier-glasses were a popular form of 18th century furnishing and were commonly placed on the wall in between two windows (known as the pier wall). Extremely elaborate pier glasses, such as the ones designed by John Linnell, were often used to emphasise the grandeur of a wealthy household. They were also important sources of light during the 18th century as they would reflect candle light. Pier-glasses of this design could have been used within state rooms such as drawing rooms, dining rooms and galleries.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Design for a pier-glass for Lord North from; A Miscellaneous Collection of Original Designs, made, and for the most part executed, during an extensive Practice of many years in the first line of his Profession, by John Linnell, Upholsterer Carver & Cabinet Maker. Selected from his Portfolios at his Decease, by C. H. Tatham Architect. AD 1800. (series title) |
| Materials and techniques | pencil, pen and ink and yellow and blue watercolour |
| Brief description | Design for a pier-glass for Lord North in pen and ink and watercolour, from a volume of designs for furniture, interior decoration and architectural fittings, by John Linnell, Great Britain, late 18th century |
| Physical description | A design for a pier-glass in pen and ink and yellow and blue watercolour. The pier-glass is oval in form but has an elaborate decorative frame. Garlands of naturalistic decorative motifs hang from a bow, which is positioned high above the pier-glass, and attach to the frame. On top of the pier-glass frame is a shell motif surrounded by curved naturalistic forms. At the bottom of the pier-glass is a shelf with naturalistic forms which terminates in a point. One of a set of designs for furniture, including chairs and state beds, interior decoration, including pier glasses, and architectural fittings including chimney pieces and doors. In a volume. |
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| Association | |
| Summary | This design for a pier-glass was intended for Lord North (who was Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1770 to 1782) possibly for his home Wroxton Abbey, Oxfordshire. Originally pier-glasses and a girandole to this design were intended to be made for him. While the design is carefully executed, Linnell has chosen different decorative detail on either side of the frame, probably so that his client could choose. Linnell was using bow motifs (such as in this design) on his designs for chairs, inspired by the French designer J.C. Delafosse. Pier-glasses were a popular form of 18th century furnishing and were commonly placed on the wall in between two windows (known as the pier wall). Extremely elaborate pier glasses, such as the ones designed by John Linnell, were often used to emphasise the grandeur of a wealthy household. They were also important sources of light during the 18th century as they would reflect candle light. Pier-glasses of this design could have been used within state rooms such as drawing rooms, dining rooms and galleries. |
| Bibliographic reference | Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design and Department of Paintings, Accessions 1929, London: Board of Education, 1930. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.214-1929 |
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| Record created | June 30, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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