Lot Essay
The crest is that of Beauclerk, as borne by the Dukes of St. Albans. The monogram is that of Harriet, Duchess of St. Albans. Harriet Mellon (1777-1837) made her first appearance on the stage at age eleven in a farce called The Spoiled Child. Her career as an actress came to an abrupt end in 1815 on her marriage to her longtime admirer, the 83-year old banker Thomas Coutts. On his death shortly thereafter, he left her his estate. The Morning Post recorded that 'some time previous to his death he settled upon Mrs. C. the sum of L600,000 with the house in Stratton-street, all the plate, linen, & c.--the service of plate is said to be the most valuable in any of the country...' Five years later the 50-year old widow married the 26-year old Duke of St. Albans. She died 10 years later, leaving the bulk of her estate to Angela Burdett-Coutts, her step-granddaughter.
A similar centerpiece, surmounted by a triton, by John Bridge of 1824 for Rundell, Bridge and Rundell sold at Sotheby's, New York, April 14, 1999, lot 213.
A similar centerpiece, surmounted by a triton, by John Bridge of 1824 for Rundell, Bridge and Rundell sold at Sotheby's, New York, April 14, 1999, lot 213.