Design for a pier-glass 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 is characteristic of the rococo forms adopted by furniture designers such as John Linnell. The rococo became popular in Britain around 1730 and was inspired by French design. It was characterised by curvaceous forms, asymmetrical detail and naturalistic motifs as demonstrated within this design.
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 the light from candles back into the room. Pier-glasses of this design could have been used within state rooms such as drawing rooms. However, they may also have been used within bedrooms and private sitting rooms.
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 the light from candles back into the room. Pier-glasses of this design could have been used within state rooms such as drawing rooms. However, they may also have been used within bedrooms and private sitting rooms.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Design for a pier-glass 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 blue watercolour |
| Brief description | Design for a pier-glass in pen and ink and blue 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 blue watercolour in the rococo style. The frame is composed from curved naturalistic forms, the bottom corners appear to be shaped from acanthus leaves. The pier-glass terminates at the top with an unusual leafy form. 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. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Style | |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This design for a pier-glass is characteristic of the rococo forms adopted by furniture designers such as John Linnell. The rococo became popular in Britain around 1730 and was inspired by French design. It was characterised by curvaceous forms, asymmetrical detail and naturalistic motifs as demonstrated within this design. 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 the light from candles back into the room. Pier-glasses of this design could have been used within state rooms such as drawing rooms. However, they may also have been used within bedrooms and private sitting rooms. |
| 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.210-1929 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | June 30, 2009 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
