Lot Essay
William Bradshaw (d.1775) is recorded working at various addresses in London from 1728. One of his greatest commissions was Chevening, Kent. His bill for the 2nd Earl of Stanhope dating from 1736-37 totalled £1,200 and included subcontracted works of joiners, painters and japanners. The present lot is listed in the Kent Records Office for July 1737 as 'A large wainscott bookcase and a pair (?) of steps £20.15.00'.
Chevening came into the Stanhope family in 1717. The design of the house is attributed to Inigo Jones and and engraving of the house was included in Campbell's 'Vitruvius Britannicus', published that year. Philip Stanhope inherited Chevering at the young age of nine. His father, James Stanhope, was Secretary of State and leader of the House of Commons under George I. He died of a heart attack due to the political pressure of the South Sea Bubble crisis in 1721.
Chevening came into the Stanhope family in 1717. The design of the house is attributed to Inigo Jones and and engraving of the house was included in Campbell's 'Vitruvius Britannicus', published that year. Philip Stanhope inherited Chevering at the young age of nine. His father, James Stanhope, was Secretary of State and leader of the House of Commons under George I. He died of a heart attack due to the political pressure of the South Sea Bubble crisis in 1721.