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
ca.1755-1760 (made)
ca.1755-1760 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This workshop design for a pier-glass demonstrates John Linnell’s use of rococo forms to compose his designs. The rococo style became extremely popular in Britain from around 1730 and is characterised by curvaceous naturalistic forms, asymmetry and, as within this design, rocaille (frilly and often water-like decorative carving). The basket of flowers which surmounts the frame was a common feature used by Linnell within many of his designs. This motif can be seen on a pair of mirrors attributed to the Linnell firm which were at Bramshill House, Hampshire, probably made for Sir Monoux Cope ca.1760.
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 of this design could have been used within state rooms such as drawing rooms (where other rococo-inspired furniture would be placed) as well as the more private rooms of the household.
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 of this design could have been used within state rooms such as drawing rooms (where other rococo-inspired furniture would be placed) as well as the more private rooms of the household.
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 wash |
Brief description | Design for a pier-glass in pen and ink and wash, from a volume of designs for furniture, interior decoration and architectural fittings, by John Linnell, Great Britain, ca.1755-1760 |
Physical description | A design for a pier-glass in pen and ink and wash. The top of the frame has a pagoda-inspired shape with ornamental detail. A basket of flowers surmounts the frame. The mirror glass is framed in sections by other decorative frames which are formed from curvilinear shapes and rocaille details. The bottom of the frame is curved in shape and also features rocaille ornamental forms, similar in shape to shells. 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 workshop design for a pier-glass demonstrates John Linnell’s use of rococo forms to compose his designs. The rococo style became extremely popular in Britain from around 1730 and is characterised by curvaceous naturalistic forms, asymmetry and, as within this design, rocaille (frilly and often water-like decorative carving). The basket of flowers which surmounts the frame was a common feature used by Linnell within many of his designs. This motif can be seen on a pair of mirrors attributed to the Linnell firm which were at Bramshill House, Hampshire, probably made for Sir Monoux Cope ca.1760. 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 of this design could have been used within state rooms such as drawing rooms (where other rococo-inspired furniture would be placed) as well as the more private rooms of the household. |
Associated object | E.177-1929 (Design) |
Bibliographic references |
|
Collection | |
Accession number | E.205-1929 |
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