Design for a pier-glass with foliage 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 by John Linnell is an example of the rectilinear forms that he was using within his designs during the early neoclassical period. The pencil sketches on top of the drawing demonstrates that Linnell returned to this design to make alterations. The ornamentation and foliage is different on each side of the frame which exhibits that this was an experimental piece. The inscription ‘this side’ (on the right hand side of the drawing) indicates that this could have been intended for a specific patron or to match an item of furniture. The bow and patera decorative features situated at the top of the frame were popular forms used by Linnell on various other furniture designs such as chairs. The use of a light yellow wash suggests that this pier-glass may have been partially gilded.
Pier-glasses were placed in between the windows within a given interior. Extremely elaborate pier-glasses, such as the ones designed by 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 placed nearby back into the room. Pier-glasses were often made to accompany pier-tables which would be similar in design. Mirror glass was extremely expensive at the beginning of the 18th century, however the increasing availability of mirror glass towards the end of the century meant that larger and more spectacular pier-glasses could be created.
Pier-glasses were placed in between the windows within a given interior. Extremely elaborate pier-glasses, such as the ones designed by 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 placed nearby back into the room. Pier-glasses were often made to accompany pier-tables which would be similar in design. Mirror glass was extremely expensive at the beginning of the 18th century, however the increasing availability of mirror glass towards the end of the century meant that larger and more spectacular pier-glasses could be created.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Design for a pier-glass with foliage 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 yellow wash |
| Brief description | Design for a pier-glass with foliage in pen, pencil and yellow wash, 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 tall pier-glass in two parts; an oval shaped mirror surmounts a long rectangular mirror. The design is rectilinear in form and the two mirrors are framed and decorated with festoons and foliage. At the top of the design is a bow and foliage and at the bottom of the pier-glass there is a panel with Vitruvian scroll decoration. This design is not symmetrical and it has different designs of ornament and naturalistic detail on each side. 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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| Marks and inscriptions | 'this side' |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This design for a pier-glass by John Linnell is an example of the rectilinear forms that he was using within his designs during the early neoclassical period. The pencil sketches on top of the drawing demonstrates that Linnell returned to this design to make alterations. The ornamentation and foliage is different on each side of the frame which exhibits that this was an experimental piece. The inscription ‘this side’ (on the right hand side of the drawing) indicates that this could have been intended for a specific patron or to match an item of furniture. The bow and patera decorative features situated at the top of the frame were popular forms used by Linnell on various other furniture designs such as chairs. The use of a light yellow wash suggests that this pier-glass may have been partially gilded. Pier-glasses were placed in between the windows within a given interior. Extremely elaborate pier-glasses, such as the ones designed by 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 placed nearby back into the room. Pier-glasses were often made to accompany pier-tables which would be similar in design. Mirror glass was extremely expensive at the beginning of the 18th century, however the increasing availability of mirror glass towards the end of the century meant that larger and more spectacular pier-glasses could be created. |
| Associated object | E.255-1929 (Design) |
| 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.158-1929 |
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| Record created | June 30, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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