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Compared to aesthetes like Beckford, King George IV, Ludwig II and Diaghilev, Cecil Beaton furnished his home at Reddish House in an eclectic style that was as theatrical and fantastic as his personal life. Although Surrealism, popular art and the Marché aux puces played a part in forming his decorations, Beaton was particularly fascinated by the French eighteenth-century, even organising a legendary fête champêtre at Ashcombe, his house before Reddish. When buying French objects or furniture, he often consulted Paul Wallraf and Felix Harbord.

A LOUIS XVI ORMOLU MANTEL CLOCK

BY IMBERT L'AINE A PARIS, LATE 18TH CENTURY

Details

A LOUIS XVI ORMOLU MANTEL CLOCK
BY IMBERT L'AINE A PARIS, LATE 18TH CENTURY
The circular dial signed by Imbert l'Aine à Paris, framed by entrelac border, the backplate inscribed conformingly, the movement with outside countwheel strike in drum-shaped case mounted with flambeau and quiver trophy flanked by a martial putto holding a relief medallion of Henry of Navarre, the bowed rectangular base with a plumed helmet, a fasces and cloud swirls, mounted with trefoil panels, on stud feet
17 x 13 in. (43 x 33 cm.)

Provenance

Sir Cecil Beaton, C.B.E., Reddish House, Wiltshire (+); Christie's house sale, 9 June 1980, lot 70.

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

Jean Gabriel Imbert, l'aîné, Paris, maître-horloger in 1789. Imbert l'aîné is recorded to have executed a porcelain clock, now in the Residenz, Munich, and a mantel clock, now in the Palais de Fontainebleau.

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