Lot Essay
An unsigned pencil drawing at Tew, but inscribed in George Bullock's hand 'Plan of Stove in Dining Room and Oak Study' appears to confirm the attribution to George Bullock (1778-1818) of the distinctive 'sarcophagus' design this firegrate is based upon. The Tenterden Street cabinet-maker and upholsterer, George Bullock was employed at Tew Park shortly after it was purchased in 1815 by Mathew Robinson Boulton. Bullock had previously opened 'Grecian Rooms' in both Liverpool and London's Piccadilly, and had executed the prestigious commission to furnish the St. Helena residence granted by George, Prince Regent to the defeated Emperor Napoleon. Four grates directly copying the unsigned drawing were sold from Tew Park at the 1987 Christie's house sale: lots 4, 27, 48 and 155. One of these grates was subsequently sold anonymously, Christie's, London, 23 November 2006, lot 66.