Lot Essay
The form and decoration of these torcheres evolves from a design in R. and J. Adam, Works in Architecture, London, 1773, vol I, no. 1, pl. VIII. The development of this design into this more voluted form is shown in Thomas Sheraton, The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Drawing Book, London, 1793, pt. III pl. XV. A white-painted and parcel-gilt pair of the same model was offered in the Collection of Sir Michael Sobell, Christie's, London, 23 June 1994, lot