George III Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers
in the manner of Henry Hill of Marlborough
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A fine George III mahogany serpentine chest of drawers in the manor of Henry Hill of Marlborough
The curved conservatory at Ditchley Park designed by James Gibbs in 1772 formed the perfect backdrop to shoot this fabulous and original George III Mahogany chest. This chest displays great design and features a number of cabinetmaking techniques which all point to the celebrated maker, Henry Hill of Marlborough.
The ebonised, ogee moulded serpentine dovetail-housed top, sits above four graduating drawers, faced with well-chosen figured mahogany and cock-beading. Though not solely used by Henry Hill, the oak-lined drawers are ‘slipped’ to the inside with an ovolo moulding running from front to back.
A detail which I have only seen on this chest and commodes attributed to Henry Hill is to the fronts where they meet the sides, a moulded edge of cross-grain mahogany runs from top right down to the tips of the feet, only ‘breaking’ at the base moulding to restart at the feet.
The chest is in the most fantastic original condition, including locks, skeleton escutcheons, fire gilded handles, backplates, feet and patinated sleepy surface.
Henry Hill (fl. 1740-1778)
Henry Hill was a Georgian cabinetmaker working in Marlborough, Wiltshire from the 1740s to his death in 1778. During his career Hill was prolific in the art trade as a cabinetmaker, decorator, auctioneer, and estate agent. Hill benefited from his location in Marlborough as it was a stopping point on the Great West Road point between London and the fashionable town of Bath. Hill advertised his services to include delivery to London at more attractive rates than the London cabinetmakers. One of his major clients was Lord Deleval in London as well as the 9th Duke of Somerset at Maiden Bradley, Paul Methuen at Corsham Court, and Henry Hoare at Stourhead.
Hill’s obituary in the Ready Mercury on 20 July 1788 read ‘On Sunday night died, Mr. Henry Hill, of Marlborough, one of the most eminent cabinet-makers and upholsterers in the kingdom; who passed through life with the strictest integrity, on the most benevolent principles; and with every disposition, the most friendly to human nature, advanced with happiness of his fellow-creatures.’
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PREVIOUSLY SOLD
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William and Mary Kingwood or ‘Princes’ wood oyster cabinet on chest
When the most expensive timber of the 17th century met Thomas Pistor. There were, in fact, two cabinet-makers called Thomas Pistor, father and son, working for a period at the same time but at different premises. One or both are known to have made furniture of quality for Levens Hall.
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A 17th century William and Mary Kingwood strongbox, with gilt brass straps. This strongbox has to be one of the most charming and certainly the smallest example we have encountered, at just 17.5 cm high, 28 cm wide and 18 cm deep. A strongbox of similar merit form and style resides at Burghley House in ‘The 1st George State Room.
William and Mary Seaweed Marquetry Strong Box Firmly Attributed to Gerrit Jensen
A 17th century William and Mary seaweed or arabesque marquetry strong box, with firm attribution to the royal cabinetmaker, Gerrit Jensen, circa 1680-1700, England.
18th Century George III Mahogany Serpentine Chest or Commode
A fine George III mahogany serpentine commode, England, circa 1770. Attributed to Henry Hill, Marlborough. The three graduated drawers retain their original gilt brass handles over a unique carved apron and flanked by moulded angles continuing into the shaped cabriole feet.
William and Mary Olive Oyster Lace Box
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George III Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers
Georgian perfection, 18th century George III mahogany serpentine chest of drawers with brushing slide, fabulous reeded columns and retaining superb original age patinated surface. Choice cuts of flame mahogany veneer sit below the brushing-slide to the four oak lined cock-beaded graduating drawers, which are fitted with their original gilt swan-neck handles, skeleton escutcheons and locks.
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