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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)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This design for a pier-glass by John Linnell demonstrates rococo characteristics which were popular in furniture design during the middle of the 18th century. The rococo, which became fashionable ca.1730, was typified by curvaceous forms, asymmetry and flamboyance, similar to the ornamentation within this design. Linnell’s elegant incorporation of festoons of flowers within his designs for pier-glasses display the popularity of floral, rococo ornamentation but also his own imaginative skill. The pierced lattice work pattern is a common Linnell decorative feature. The motif of the flower basket was also used repeatedly by Linnell but was uncommon in the work of his contemporaries such as Thomas Chippendale and Matthias Lock. A pier-glass surmounted by a basket of flowers (but different to this design) was ordered by Sir Monoux Cope, 7th Baronet for his house Bramshill, Hampshire ca.1755-1760.

The use of yellow and blue watercolour within this design indicates that the frame would have been gilded. It also displays that this piece could have been used by Linnell as a presentation piece to show clients.

Pier-glasses were a popular form of household furnishing during the 18th century. They were originally intended to be hung on the wall in between two windows (the pier wall) and assisted in lighting the interior by reflecting candle light. Often pier-glasses were made to match pier-tables which would be situated underneath them. An elaborate pier-glass such as this could have been used within the state rooms of a wealthy interior where other items of furniture in the rococo style would also be placed.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleDesign 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 yellow and blue watercolour
Brief description
Design for a pier-glass in pen and ink, yellow 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 with a basket of fruit and flowers on top of the frame. Underneath the basket is a section of lattice pattern which also features in a small cartouche-shaped section at the bottom of the frame. The corners of the pier-glass are decorated with curvaceous foliage and the bottom of the frame is pierced with curved ornamentation. The frame is tall and rectangular and palm leaves decorate the sides. 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
  • Height: 17.2cm
  • Width: 12.3cm
Style
Subjects depicted
Summary
This design for a pier-glass by John Linnell demonstrates rococo characteristics which were popular in furniture design during the middle of the 18th century. The rococo, which became fashionable ca.1730, was typified by curvaceous forms, asymmetry and flamboyance, similar to the ornamentation within this design. Linnell’s elegant incorporation of festoons of flowers within his designs for pier-glasses display the popularity of floral, rococo ornamentation but also his own imaginative skill. The pierced lattice work pattern is a common Linnell decorative feature. The motif of the flower basket was also used repeatedly by Linnell but was uncommon in the work of his contemporaries such as Thomas Chippendale and Matthias Lock. A pier-glass surmounted by a basket of flowers (but different to this design) was ordered by Sir Monoux Cope, 7th Baronet for his house Bramshill, Hampshire ca.1755-1760.

The use of yellow and blue watercolour within this design indicates that the frame would have been gilded. It also displays that this piece could have been used by Linnell as a presentation piece to show clients.

Pier-glasses were a popular form of household furnishing during the 18th century. They were originally intended to be hung on the wall in between two windows (the pier wall) and assisted in lighting the interior by reflecting candle light. Often pier-glasses were made to match pier-tables which would be situated underneath them. An elaborate pier-glass such as this could have been used within the state rooms of a wealthy interior where other items of furniture in the rococo style would also be placed.
Associated object
Bibliographic references
  • Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design and Department of Paintings, Accessions 1929, London: Board of Education, 1930.
  • Hayward, H. and Kirkham, P. William and John Linnell Eighteenth Century London Furniture Makers, London; Studio Vista, Christie’s (1980) p.77
Collection
Accession number
E.176-1929

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Record createdJune 30, 2009
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