Window cornice
possibly Thomas Chippendale (fl. 1766 - 1771 when operating without a business partner)
Category
Fixtures and fittings
Date
circa 1770
Materials
Carved softwood, lime, gesso and gilding layers
Measurements
535 cm (Width)
Place of origin
St. Martin's Lane
Order this imageCollection
Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire
NT 959714
Summary
A giltwood window cornice, English, possibly by Thomas Chippendale (fl. 1766 - 1771 when working alone with no partner). Very similar to NT 959756, the green-painted and parcel-gilt arched window cornice which hangs in the State Dressing Room (originally the Alcove Bed Chamber) which was invoiced for - a 'very large Carv'd circular Cornice with Returns Japannd Green & Gold & pulley lath to do complete' - on 6th May 1771 and cost £12 5s 0d. The cornice centred by an arch and with leaf-carved top edge, and lambrequin frieze, each cusp carved with a pair of opposing husks or bellflowers. -- The Billiard Room in which this window cornice hangs has been through several manifestations. The Venetian window was re-glazed and fitted with French doors circa 1819, and it is possible that this window cornice was re-located here then. Originally, this room was the 5th Baronet's Green Dressing Room, and the room is recorded as being fitted out by Chippendale with 'plane [sic] green paper and gilt rope border'. It is possible, therefore, that the cornice is original to the room, and that it was supplied by Chippendale.
Provenance
Date of acquisition not recorded, but probably commissioned from Thomas Chippendale (1718 - 1779) by Sir Rowland Winn, 5th Baronet (1739 - 1785). Thence by descent and accepted by HM Treasury in lieu of death duties on the estate of Rowland Winn, 4th Baron Oswald (1916 - 1984), 1986.
Makers and roles
possibly Thomas Chippendale (fl. 1766 - 1771 when operating without a business partner), cabinet maker
References
Gilbert (1978): Christopher Gilbert, The Life & Work of Thomas Chippendale (1978), 2 volumes., Vol. II, p. 285