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 workshop design for a pier-glass demonstrates Linnell’s experimentation with rococo forms within his designs. The rococo style became popular ca.1730, characterised by flamboyant curvilinear forms with an emphasis upon naturalistic motifs. This design is awkwardly composed from two different designs where Linnell has explored the possibilities of incorporating floral motifs within the pier-glass frame.
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 and they would reflect the light from candles back into the room.
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 and they would reflect the light from candles back into the room.
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 |
| Brief description | Design for a pier-glass in pencil, pen and ink 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 pencil, pen and ink. The design is formed from two asymmetrical halves both of which are fashioned from curvilinear forms and naturalistic detail. On one side, a floral arrangement hangs from the top of the frame and droops down before being positioned outside of the frame. On the opposite side, foliage is entwined around the frame itself. 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 |
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| Style | |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This workshop design for a pier-glass demonstrates Linnell’s experimentation with rococo forms within his designs. The rococo style became popular ca.1730, characterised by flamboyant curvilinear forms with an emphasis upon naturalistic motifs. This design is awkwardly composed from two different designs where Linnell has explored the possibilities of incorporating floral motifs within the pier-glass frame. 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 and they would reflect the light from candles back into the room. |
| 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.199-1929 |
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| Record created | June 30, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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