Stair End
1740-1770 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
All 18th-century houses, whether modest or grand, were entered through a hall and the staircase was designed to catch the visitor's attention. Triangular brackets, such as this one, were used to finish and embellish the ends of the stair tread. In smaller houses, such brackets were often painted a plain white.
Design & Designing
This stair end was made between 1740 and 1770, when the fashion for Rococo was at its height. Within this small piece several key elements of Rococo design can be seen. Curving scrolls in the shape of a C combine with a naturalistic pattern derived from the spiky, feathery leaves of the acanthus plant. Equally important, the overall design is not disciplined and symmetrical but spontaneous and exuberant.
Materials & Making
Pine is an inexpensive softwood that is light, durable and easy to carve. It is therefore highly suitable for a functional yet elaborately carved piece such as a stair end.
All 18th-century houses, whether modest or grand, were entered through a hall and the staircase was designed to catch the visitor's attention. Triangular brackets, such as this one, were used to finish and embellish the ends of the stair tread. In smaller houses, such brackets were often painted a plain white.
Design & Designing
This stair end was made between 1740 and 1770, when the fashion for Rococo was at its height. Within this small piece several key elements of Rococo design can be seen. Curving scrolls in the shape of a C combine with a naturalistic pattern derived from the spiky, feathery leaves of the acanthus plant. Equally important, the overall design is not disciplined and symmetrical but spontaneous and exuberant.
Materials & Making
Pine is an inexpensive softwood that is light, durable and easy to carve. It is therefore highly suitable for a functional yet elaborately carved piece such as a stair end.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | |
| Brief description | Stair end, English, 1740-1770 |
| Physical description | Carved pine stair end |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Object history | Nos. 589 to 595 incl. purchased for £4. 3s. 10d. from C. Herbert Shoppee, Esq., 22 John Street, Bedford Row, London W8. Registered files RF 8669/1901, containing J.H. Pollen's report; the purchase consisting of museum nos. 492 to 617-1901, and composed chiefly of ironwork and woodwork was bought for £350. Condition at acquisition: 590: 'Chipped and moulding loose' 590A: 'Chipped' 590B: 'Moulding missing' 590C: 'Chipped and moulding loose' 590D: 'Chipped' 590E: 'Chipped' |
| Summary | Object Type All 18th-century houses, whether modest or grand, were entered through a hall and the staircase was designed to catch the visitor's attention. Triangular brackets, such as this one, were used to finish and embellish the ends of the stair tread. In smaller houses, such brackets were often painted a plain white. Design & Designing This stair end was made between 1740 and 1770, when the fashion for Rococo was at its height. Within this small piece several key elements of Rococo design can be seen. Curving scrolls in the shape of a C combine with a naturalistic pattern derived from the spiky, feathery leaves of the acanthus plant. Equally important, the overall design is not disciplined and symmetrical but spontaneous and exuberant. Materials & Making Pine is an inexpensive softwood that is light, durable and easy to carve. It is therefore highly suitable for a functional yet elaborately carved piece such as a stair end. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 589C-1901 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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