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Whether your interest lies in a work of art’s maker, its detail, or its ownership history, this George III ormolu-mounted mahogany commode promises to satisfy the interests of any furniture aficionado.

Pattern Book Influences
In the 18th century, pattern books were popular both domestically and abroad, and subscribers included nobility as well as cabinet-makers anxious to copy London fashions. Leading London cabinet-maker Thomas Chippendale achieved his lasting fame—he is still a household name—due to the publication of his pattern book entitled The Gentleman and Cabinet-maker’s Director, published in three editions from 1754–1762. The original edition included 161 engraved plates showing plain domestic pieces as well as more elaborate furniture in the Rococo, Chinese and Gothic styles. This impressive commode is influenced by designs published by the celebrated maker.

Masters of Mahogany
Richard Wright and Edward Elwick were talented Yorkshire makers who indeed subscribed to Chippendale’s Director. One of their principal patrons was the Marquess of Rockingham, and there is a substantial body of work attributed to their workshop. Their relationship with Lord Rockingham was longstanding as invoices extend from 1749 to 1784, with the majority of payments made in the 1760s while the Marquess’s majestic home, the Wentworth Woodhouse in Yorkshire, was under alteration.

Elaborate Mounts
One of the many defining features of this commode is its naturalistic or ‘rococo’ brasses which appear on many pieces attributed to Wright and Elwick. Those shown on this George III commode retain their original, soft mercury-gilt patina. This method of gilding metal has long since been abandoned because it involves applying the gold leaf dissolved in mercury, and a subsequent firing which is toxic.

Illustrious Country House Provenance
Charles Watson-Wentworth (1730–1782), the second Marquess of Rockingham and one-time Prime Minister of Great Britain, almost certainly ordered this piece exclusively for Wentworth Woodhouse in Yorkshire. Wentworth Woodhouse is a stately home which boasts the longest façade in all of England. The commode remained at the house until it was sold in a Christie’s auction of 1948.