A REGENCY GILTWOOD CONVEX GIRANDOLE MIRROR

BY THOMAS FENTHAM, LONDON, CIRCA 1810

Details

A REGENCY GILTWOOD CONVEX GIRANDOLE MIRROR
By Thomas Fentham, London, circa 1810
The circular plate within a reeded ebonised slip and dished frame with ribbon-tied reeds to the outer edge and foliate decorated scrolled candlearms, surmounted by an eagle on a spreading socle and with a foliate pendant apron, bearing a printed makers label to the reverse THOMAS FENTHAM,/No. 126 STRAND,/NEAR SOMERSET HOUSE,/Manufacturer of Looking-Glasses,/CONVEX and CONCAVE MIRRORS,/AND ALL SORTS OF/PICTURE and GLASS FRAMES./GLASS for EXPORTATION., largely regilt
50in. (127cm.) high, 28in. (71cm.) wide

Literature

S. Masten, 'Dealer's Choice: A Showcase for Museum Pieces in North Carolina', Southern Accents, December 1984, p.74 (shown in situ in the Federal Bedroom).
K. Petty, 'Time Recaptured: Federal Restoration Preserves History', Veranda, Spring 1991, p.90 (shown in situ in the Guest House Drawing Room).
'Collectors' notes', The Magazine Antiques, February 1973, p.364.

Lot Essay

Thomas Fentham, 'Carver and Glass grinder' is recorded working at the No.136 Strand Street address from 1794-1820. Fentham, who 'catered to an export business' was listed at various locations in London from 1777. A number of his labelled mirrors surmounted by eagles and with similar bases are illustrated in C. Gilbert, Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840, 1996, pp.204-205, figs.344-347. Another bearing this same label is illustrated in G. Wills, English Looking Glasses, New Jersey, 1965, p.128, pl.163. Fentham is known to have carried out work at Erddig Castle, Wales for the State Rooms and was almost certainly responsible for the gilt pier tables in the Gallery (see G. Beard and C. Gilbert, eds., Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840, Leeds, 1986, p.296).

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