A fine George III mahogany serpentine chest of drawers in the manor of Henry Hill of Marlborough 1

George III Mahogany Serpentine Chest of Drawers

in the manner of Henry Hill of Marlborough

SOLD

Request Information

Follow Us

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.’ 

Condition
Provenance


Literature
Dimensions

PREVIOUSLY SOLD

George III Mahogany Linen Press Wardrobe

George III Mahogany Linen Press Wardrobe

George III Mahogany Linen Press Wardrobe 1760 England SoldGeorge III Mahogany Linen Press Wardrobe A fine George III mahogany linen press in outstanding original condition. The press was obviously made to exceed with the cabinetmaker using...

George I ‘Caddy’ Topped Figured Walnut Chest

George I ‘Caddy’ Topped Figured Walnut Chest

30” George I ‘caddy’ topped figured walnut chest, circa 1730-50. The chest is beautifully age patinated and retains original features to include, open plate brassware and shaped bracket feet. The chest incorporates all the features associated with the very best London made variants of the period.

George III Mahogany Linen Press Wardrobe

George III Mahogany Linen Press Wardrobe

George III Mahogany Linen Press Wardrobe 1760 England SoldGeorge III Mahogany Linen Press Wardrobe A fine George III mahogany linen press in outstanding original condition. The press was obviously made to exceed with the cabinetmaker using...

George I ‘Caddy’ Topped Figured Walnut Chest

George I ‘Caddy’ Topped Figured Walnut Chest

30” George I ‘caddy’ topped figured walnut chest, circa 1730-50. The chest is beautifully age patinated and retains original features to include, open plate brassware and shaped bracket feet. The chest incorporates all the features associated with the very best London made variants of the period.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

George II Gun Barrel Mahogany Tripod Table, circa 1740-1750

George II Gun Barrel Mahogany Tripod Table, circa 1740-1750

George II Gun Barrel Mahogany Tripod Table, circa 1740-1750 SoldFollow UsGeorge II Gun Barrel Mahogany Tripod Table, circa 1740-1750 George II Gun Barrel Mahogany Tripod table. The well-figured top has a pie crust edge, resting on a gun...

George II Gun Barrel Mahogany Tripod Table, circa 1740-1750

George II Gun Barrel Mahogany Tripod Table, circa 1740-1750

George II Gun Barrel Mahogany Tripod Table, circa 1740-1750 SoldFollow UsGeorge II Gun Barrel Mahogany Tripod Table, circa 1740-1750 George II Gun Barrel Mahogany Tripod table. The well-figured top has a pie crust edge, resting on a gun...

Pin It on Pinterest