A cut-glass and white metal mounted fourteen light chandelier second half 19th century, attributed to Perry & Co.

the mitre-cut baluster stem with two tiers of scrolling rope- twist branches terminating in mitre-cut drip pans, hung with festoons of faceted cut-glass drops

One of a set of three chandeliers that hung in the Guildhall, Hull,

until a Luftwaffe raid on the night of 7-8 May 1941.

Thereafter with Sir Phillip Reckitt

 

Good overall condition. The chandelier has been recently cleaned and displays well cut elements and nicely coloured glass. It retains the original truss rod. Please contact the department should you wish further information on electrifying this chandelier. Possibly with some associated elements obtained from the other two chandeliers that hung with this one in the Guildhall, Hull.
"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."

The present chandelier is related to designs by Mr Bartlett, the design draughtsman for Perry & Co. during the latter part of the 19th century. A similar arrangement of swags can be seen in the sheet taken from Bartlett's drawing book now preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum (E.2094-1952, Folio 6, 95.C.85 Bartlett). Although the book is not dated it would appear to come from the end of his career at Perry and Co.

This leading manufacturer of chandeliers was founded in 1756 by William Parker,  later becoming Parker & Perry before finally chaning their name to Perry & Co. in 1817, until closure of the business in 1935.  The company established themselves as London's most eminent glass manufacturers, providing fittings for Royal residences such as Carlton House and the Royal Pavilion, Brighton, as well as those of the senior nobility and gentry, including the well known connoisseur and collector William Beckford. From the middle of the 19th century the company was owned by Messrs Willis and Miley, who had purchased it from George and Richard Perry. Perry & Co. moved to Grafton Street in 1890 and after which Bartlett himself purchased the business, although he only retained it for a few years before selling it to Rigby Watson in 1902 (see Martin Mortimer, The English Glass Chandelier, 2000, pp.150-155).

Related chandeliers sold Sotheby's London, 7 July 1995, lot 8, the same rooms, 9 July 1999, lot 53 and Sotheby's, `The Leverhulme Collection', Wirral, Cheshire, 26-28th June 2001, lot 277.