'The Lacock Pier Glass and Table'
probably Henry Hill of Marlborough (fl.1740-1778)
Date
circa 1750
Materials
Paint, gilt, deal, marble, mirrored glass
Place of origin
Marlborough
Order this imageCollection
Lacock, Wiltshire
NT 995941
Summary
A later painted deal side table or pier table and pier mirror, probably by Henry Hill (fl.1741-1770) Marlborough, Wiltshire, circa 1750. The table with a later rectangular verde antico marble top above a null carved frieze with beaded moulding and an asymmetrical pierced and floral scroll carved apron, raised on four conforming carved double C scroll cabriole legs with scroll feet and block plinths. The later painted mirror with two plates set within an asymmetrical rococo scroll carved floral frame with pierced trellis panels and a floral spray to the crest, with rock work and gilt detail. Both the table and mirror were originally gilded, it is unclear when the existing painted surface was applied.
Full description
In 1750, a Marlborough cabinet-maker, Henry Hill, apparently supplied the pier glass and table in the Dining Room where Hill also is said to have executed the neo-Classical chimneypiece, the frieze and the carved doorcases. The pier glass and table are in the Rococo style, while the frame of the glass is reminiscent of designs by Matthias Lock, but with a vigorously carved provincial character. The table and glass were listed in the Best Parlour (subsequently the Dining Room) in 1778. Hill may also have supplied a mahogany four post bedstead with serpentine shaped gadrooned and pierced canopy surmounted by anthemions, fluted posts with Gothick detailing and floral marquetry on the plinths, c.1770, which may be the ‘Four Post Mahogany Carvd and Fluted Bedstead with Green worsted Damask Fringed Furniture’ first listed in the Green Bedchamber in 1788. Hill is known to have made marquetry bombé commodes, including a documented example at Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire (Duke of Somerset Collection), which has rather perfunctory floral marquetry similar to that on the bases of the bedposts. He is known to have had a clientele in the country around Lacock, and supplied furniture to Corsham Court (which was on an amicable footing with Lacock) as well as to Seaton Delaval. (James Weedon, September 2019)
Provenance
Probably supplied by Henry Hill of Marlborough to Lacock Abbey in 1750. Purchased by the National Trust with the family collection of Lacock Abbey contents in situ from Mrs. Petronella Burnett-Brown in December 2009.
Makers and roles
probably Henry Hill of Marlborough (fl.1740-1778), cabinetmaker probably Henry Hill of Marlborough (fl.1740-1778), designer
References
Wood, Lucy 'Furniture for Lord Delaval' FHS 1990 Dictionary of British and Irish furniture makers online (1660-1840) FHS 2017