re-gilt

Sotheby's, Shadwell Park, Thetford, Norfolk, 21st and 22nd October 1992, lot 26, where one was illustrated in the Drawing Room.

For a comparable Linnell designs see Helena Hayward and Pat Kirkham, William and John Linnell, London, 1980, vol. II, pp. 94 and 96, pls. 180 and 186

Overall in good conserved condition. The gilding with some typical signs of wear and rubbing. Mirror plates original. One mirror with a crack, bottom left plate, and with a chip to the gilt gesso, left hand extremity. Some of the mirror plates with a movement, typical with age and use.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This pair of beautifully carved pier mirrors relate to the 1750s and 1760s designs of John Linnell. Although the carving is perhaps more restrained than one would expect given the elaborate nature of the rococo aesthetic one can still see its influence throughout the mirrors. The conforming C and S scrolls vertically flanking the central plate combined with the acanthus decoration to the sides show a deep understanding of rococo design. In their monograph titled William and John Linnell Helena Hayward and Pat Kirkham illustrate designs for strikingly similar mirrors (op. cit., vol. II, pp. 94 and 96, pls. 180 and 186).

Shadwell Park lies to the East of Thetford in the county of Norfolk. Originally built by John Buxton between 1727-30, it was transformed over the centuries eventually being completely re-modelled in the Gothic revival taste of the mid-19^th century. Shadwell reached the height of its fame in the early 20^th century where it acted as inspiration for the main setting of Evelyn Waugh’s 1934 novel A Handful of Dust.