Gothic Revival Chairs

The Gothic Revival was an architectural movement that began in England around the second half of the 18th century and continued throughout the 19th century. Drawing inspiration from the medieval Gothic forms, 'hooded' or 'lancet' arches, and tracery were prominent features that would define architecture and furniture design at this time. Other decorative features which were characteristic of the style were geometric forms, repeated patterns, as well as heavy carving with flowers, rosettes and animals being common motifs.⁠

We are pleased to be offering Lot 246, an impressive set of fourteen George IV oak dining chairs. These are exceptionally well carved examples of early Gothic Revival chairs, and are closely related to designs published by George Smith (1786-1828), the influential 'Furniture Draughtsman to His Majesty', who was an early adopter and pioneer of this style.⁠

A Charles II Chest of Drawers

Another highlight is Lot 28, a Charles II walnut, olivewood and holly oyster veneered chest of drawers. Dating to circa 1680, this chest is rather unusual for its type and period due to its size and decoration. Elegant and petit in its proportions (71cm high, 81cm wide, 54cm deep), it would suit any interior. The exquisite craftsmanship differentiates it from the more provincial furniture, typical of the time, with its interesting use of holly banding and stylised foliate marquetry.⁠

Following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Charles II returned to Britain having been in exile for 9 years in France, The Netherlands and Spain. Upon his return, he introduced Huguenot cabinetmakers and craftsmen to the country. These artisans, typically working with walnut, brought a new style of furniture making to England and large quantities of this French wood were imported. While traditional oak and elm furniture remained common, the upper classes quickly embraced this new style. Furniture, such as walnut veneered chests, became popular features in sophisticated London homes.⁠

A George III Confidante Sofa

Designed to accommodate intimate conversations between close friends, the confidante sofa was originally conceived in eighteenth century France and then soon adopted by English furniture makers. In the auction we have Lot 120, a fine and rare George III confidante sofa. Dating to circa 1780, it is made in the manner of William & John Linnell in the French neo-classical taste. It was almost certainly acquired by either the 5th, 6th or 7th Viscount Powerscourt and by descent at Powerscourt as it was photographed in situ in Powerscourt, circa 1890. It was then subsequently sold to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Slazenger when they bought the house together with the contents in 1961.

Victorian Tole Tea Cannisters

We also have Lot 252, a pair of Victorian red and gilt tole tea cannisters by G Sutcliffe of Manchester. Sure to make a visual statement, it is rare to find tea cannisters of this age in such fine condition, having not been restored or altered from their original state, and with the makers stamp. The decoration is particularly sophisticated with finely painted figures, which is more unusual to see, compared to more naïve examples from this period.

Italian Marble Columns Possibly from 'The Pantheon' at Ince Blundell Hall

Henry Blundell was a renowned 18th century art collector and friend of Charles Townley. He amassed an impressive collection of Roman antiquities at his home, Ince Blundell Hall in Lancashire. Quite an eccentric character, Blundell built a room attached to the house between 1802-05, which was based on the design of the Pantheon in Rome and which he call 'The Pantheon'. This room housed items, the majority of which were collected during his many 'Grand Tour' trips (mainly to Rome) in the late 18th century. In the auction, we have Lot 30, a pair of early 19th century Italian marble columns possibly from 'The Pantheon' in Sefton Merseyside. 

Garden Statuary and Furniture

Looking for some garden inspiration? You can elevate outdoor spaces with striking garden features. ⁠The auction features a fantastic selection of garden statuary and furniture from a Berkshire country house garden which was designed by Martha Baker, the renowned American Garden Designer. A particular highlight is Lot 566, a pair of late 19th or early 20th century carved marble sphinxes, designed in the manner of Joseph Theakston. They bear similarities to the sphinx carved by Theakston and held at Harewood House in West Yorkshire.

View page turning catalogue

Auction Details

Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 September, 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

Browse the auction
Sign up to email alerts

VIEWING:

• Viewing in Newbury:
  • Friday 6 September: 10am-4pm
  • Saturday 7 September: 10am-3pm
  • Sunday 8 September: 10am-3pm
  • Monday 9 September: 10am-4pm
  • Tuesday 10 September: 9am-4pm
  • Wednesday 11 September: 9am-4pm
  • Thursday 12 September: 9am-12pm
• Dreweatts 360 Virtual Auction Tour | Available from Friday 6 September