BRETTINGHAM, Matthew (1699-1769). The Plans, Elevations and Sections, of Holkham in Norfolk. London: T. Spilsbury for B. White and S. Learcroft, 1773. The second, greatly enlarged, edition of Brettingham’s publication of one of England’s greatest Neo-Palladian houses. While Brettingham worked as an on-site clerk at Holkham, his description of the house lists himself as the sole architect—completely erasing the work of the actual architect, William Kent. Lowndes I, 267. Folio (534 x 361mm). 69 engraved plates, eight double-page (some spotting and browning). Modern navy half morocco over blue cloth boards (worn).
BRETTINGHAM, Matthew (1699-1769). The Plans, Elevations and Sections, of Holkham in Norfolk. London: T. Spilsbury for B. White and S. Learcroft, 1773. The second, greatly enlarged, edition of Brettingham’s publication of one of England’s greatest Neo-Palladian houses. While Brettingham worked as an on-site clerk at Holkham, his description of the house lists himself as the sole architect—completely erasing the work of the actual architect, William Kent. Lowndes I, 267. Folio (534 x 361mm). 69 engraved plates, eight double-page (some spotting and browning). Modern navy half morocco over blue cloth boards (worn).

Details
BRETTINGHAM, Matthew (1699-1769). The Plans, Elevations and Sections, of Holkham in Norfolk. London: T. Spilsbury for B. White and S. Learcroft, 1773. The second, greatly enlarged, edition of Brettingham’s publication of one of England’s greatest Neo-Palladian houses. While Brettingham worked as an on-site clerk at Holkham, his description of the house lists himself as the sole architect—completely erasing the work of the actual architect, William Kent. Lowndes I, 267. Folio (534 x 361mm). 69 engraved plates, eight double-page (some spotting and browning). Modern navy half morocco over blue cloth boards (worn).

[With:] WARE, Isaac (1704-1766) and KENT, William (1685-1748). The Plans, Elevations, and Sections; Chimney-Pieces, and Ceilings of Houghton in Norfolk. London: C. Fourdrinier, 1760. The second edition. Folio (580 x 410mm). 35 engraved plates (some soiling at edges, a few repaired tears). Modern half calf over marbled boards.
Provenance
Christie's, London, 9 December 1983, lot 14 (Brettingham).
Christie's, New York, 25 January 1992, lot 81 (Ware).

Lot Essay

For a pair of hall chairs, after a design by William Kent, related to a pair of double-seated settees of identical Roman-pattern model commissioned for Holkham Hall, Norfolk, see lot 106.

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