Beschreibung:

A PAIR OF GEORGE III GILTWOOD OVAL MIRRORSATTRIBUTED TO WILLIAM & JOHN LINNELL CIRCA 1760The ribbon tied entwined palm frond frames incorporating 'C' scrolls and acanthus each 130cm high, 94cm wideThis pair of mirrors or 'pier glasses', of Roman medallion form, is conceived in the George II picturesque style and relates to a flower entwined example at Uppark, West Sussex. John Linnell designed a pier glass circa 1760 and such mirrors appear to be derived from that drawing (Illustrated in H. Hayward & P. Kirkham, William & John Linnell vol. II, London, 1980, p.115. fig.220). A closely related white painted pier mirror was supplied to Brownlow, 9th Earl of Exeter for Burghley House, Lincolnshire; although no specific bill remains, Exeter is known to have employed Linnell during the 1760's. A related mirror was designed and supplied by the architect John Vardy (1718-1765) to the 1st Earl Spencer for the Palm Room, the Earl's mansion, St. James's London. It is very rare to find a pair of mirrors of this design, most commonly only single examples are found. The current examples are also of larger size and a more sophisticated model than many other recorded examples, incorporating additional ornament to the main palm fronds forming the frames. A related but single and smaller example was sold; Christie's, London, A Private Collection from Belgravia' 26th January 2011 (£15,000). Another related single example, also attributed to William and John Linnell was sold; Christie's, London, Property of the Late Lady de Trafford, 9th December 2010, Lot 58 (£34, 850).