This design for a sconce demonstrates the inventive ways that John Linnell was using naturalistic features as part of the decorative ornament within his designs. In this design, Linnell has used palm branches to frame the mirror glass which cross at the base and tie with a bow. Linnell may have adopted this source from the neoclassical architect Sir William Chambers who also used interlaced palm branches and which occur on his chimney pieces at Osterley Park, the home of Robert Child (Hayward, H. Kirkham, P. 1980, p.81). Linnell worked with Chambers at Osterley Park and he may have been inspired by his designs during this time. The motif of the flower basket, which surmounts the frame, was used repeatedly by Linnell and can be seen within his other designs such as E.177-1929. It also appears on a pair of pier-glasses made for Sir Monoux Cope, Bramshill House, Hampshire.

Wall sconces were popular forms of furnishing during the 18^th century, designed as ornamental brackets to hold candles. The candle branches, which are positioned in front of the mirror glass, are a pertinent example of the way in which wall sconces were used as effective lighting devices during the 18^th century. The reflection of the candle light would have been very beneficial. Floral, decorative designs such as this could have been used within domestic rooms such as sitting rooms, drawing rooms and boudoirs for ladies.