Lot Essay
This model of torchère forms part of a closely related group that was almost certainly the product of the same workshop. This model has been prized by some of the great collectors of English furniture. Examples featured in the collections of Percival Griffiths (R. W. Symonds, English Furniture from Charles II to George II, London, 1929, fig. 197), J. S. Sykes, Noel Terry and Samuel Messer, the latter sold from The Samuel Messer Collection, Christie's, London, 5 December 1991, lot 67 (£11,000).
Another was sold on behalf of the Michael Winch Will Trust, Boughton Monchelsea Place, Kent, Christie's South Kensington, 21 January 1998, lot 29. A near pair was sold anonymously, Christie's New York, 22 April 1999, lot 42 ($55,200); a single example was sold anonymously, Christie's, London, 29 November 2001, lot 5 (£15,275) and another sold anonymously, Christie's, London, 28 November 2002, lot 87 (£11,352).
Another was sold on behalf of the Michael Winch Will Trust, Boughton Monchelsea Place, Kent, Christie's South Kensington, 21 January 1998, lot 29. A near pair was sold anonymously, Christie's New York, 22 April 1999, lot 42 ($55,200); a single example was sold anonymously, Christie's, London, 29 November 2001, lot 5 (£15,275) and another sold anonymously, Christie's, London, 28 November 2002, lot 87 (£11,352).