ATTRIBUTED TO PERRY & CO., MID-19TH CENTURY

This magnificent chandelier is attributed to the renowned firm of Perry & Co. based on stylistic elements. These include the ormolu corona shaped like a palm tree from which hang large pyriform prisms and festoons of prisms, and the arrangement of the central vase and baluster shaped stem all of which are found in a volume of original designs by the firm for chandeliers and brackets (Victoria & Albert Museum, Ms. E2064-1952, f.26, 27, 33 and 35). It closely relates to a pair, maker unknown, also with twenty-four lights, by repute supplied to the 6th Duke of Devonshire, formerly at Devonshire House, London. The pair were later acquired by William Randolph Hearst, and subsequently in the collection of the Nesle firm (H. Parrott Bacot, Nineteenth Century Lighting, West Chester, 1987, p.243, fig.350), one of which sold at Christie's New York, 16 April 2002, lot 275 ($141,500). Notably, William Parker (d.1784) whose son entered into partnership with the Perry family in 1817 supplied the 5th Duke of Devonshire with chandeliers and other glass light fittings at Chatsworth, Derbyshire in 1782-3.

Founded in the mid-18th century, Perry & Co. established themselves as London's most eminent glass manufacturers providing fittings for Royal residences, Carlton House and the Royal Pavilion, Brighton, as well as those of the nobility. The firm was undoubtedly proud of their continuity in serving the great and the good, in George Perry's own words of 1835, 'we trust that our having made the greater part of the lusters for the late King, and our being now employed in making those for the new Palace of his present Majesty [William IV], will be some guarantee for the character of our Manufacture'.