.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
In his article on the Althorp plate, Grimwade records that the stands were documented in one of the many lists made by, or to the Duchess's orders, as 'to give drink at the table'. He describes their form as being exceptionally rare. He notes that their diameter of 7 inches makes them large enough to act as decanter stands or perhaps to have been intended for use by a servant bringing an individual wine glass to a guest. Grimwade comments that their mention in the plate list settles any doubt we might otherwise have had as to their function, and that they were of equal rarity to the patty-pans in the collection.
SARAH, DUCHESS OF MARLBOROUGH
Born to an impoverished Hertfordshire MP, Sir Richard Jennings (d.1688), Sarah was to become one of the most powerful and influential women of her time. She married John Churchill (1650-1722), later 1st Duke of Marlborough in 1677, who through his role in the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and his unmatched military career, rose to become Captain-General of the Allied armies during the War of the Spanish Succession. He won many decisive victories, such as at Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde and Malplaquet. He was awarded a pension of £5,000 in 1702 and granted the manor of Blenheim, where Sir John Vanbrugh constructed the magnificent Blenheim Palace. After the Duke's death in 1722, the Duchess was one of the most powerful and wealthiest women in the country. She was highly influential, both politically and socially. Her careful management of the family estates ensured the prosperity of the family's future generations.
SARAH, DUCHESS OF MARLBOROUGH
Born to an impoverished Hertfordshire MP, Sir Richard Jennings (d.1688), Sarah was to become one of the most powerful and influential women of her time. She married John Churchill (1650-1722), later 1st Duke of Marlborough in 1677, who through his role in the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and his unmatched military career, rose to become Captain-General of the Allied armies during the War of the Spanish Succession. He won many decisive victories, such as at Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde and Malplaquet. He was awarded a pension of £5,000 in 1702 and granted the manor of Blenheim, where Sir John Vanbrugh constructed the magnificent Blenheim Palace. After the Duke's death in 1722, the Duchess was one of the most powerful and wealthiest women in the country. She was highly influential, both politically and socially. Her careful management of the family estates ensured the prosperity of the family's future generations.