Lot Essay
The design of these "Antique" lamps is based on Piranesi's engraving of a funerary monument from the Vasi of 1778. (See: C. Gilbert and C. A. Wells-Cole, Exhibition Catalogue, The Fashionable Fireplace, 1660-1840, Temple Newsam House, 1985, No. 76).
The Temple Newsam lamps were acquired by the Leeds City Art Galleries from Christie's Great Rooms, 29th November, 1984, lot 91, formerly the property of the Executors of the Estate of the late John Tillotson. These were engraved with a ducal coronet above the initial N, thought to be that of the 4th Duke of Newcastle. They were supplied to him for Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire. Clumber, although a mid-18th century house, was altered in 1829 by Sidney Smirke. It is thought that the Newcastle lamps were supplied by Thomas Messenger of Birmingham and London, 1826-1827.
Another pair, labelled Bright & Co. (late) Argand & Co., Bruton Street, was sold anonymously in Christie's Great Rooms, 17th November, 1988, lot 8.
The Temple Newsam lamps were acquired by the Leeds City Art Galleries from Christie's Great Rooms, 29th November, 1984, lot 91, formerly the property of the Executors of the Estate of the late John Tillotson. These were engraved with a ducal coronet above the initial N, thought to be that of the 4th Duke of Newcastle. They were supplied to him for Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire. Clumber, although a mid-18th century house, was altered in 1829 by Sidney Smirke. It is thought that the Newcastle lamps were supplied by Thomas Messenger of Birmingham and London, 1826-1827.
Another pair, labelled Bright & Co. (late) Argand & Co., Bruton Street, was sold anonymously in Christie's Great Rooms, 17th November, 1988, lot 8.