An early George III giltwood overmantel and chimneypiece circa 1760

the foliate C-scroll cresting above a broken-pediment, the plates divided by floral garlands, foliate C-scrolls, the inner border framed by a palm frond cartouche, the outer borders by stylised columns, with pagoda shaped leaf canopies and a central arched gallery, the marble surround of the chimneypiece flanked by stylised columns and C-scroll and floral carving

Grosvenor House Fair, 1957

Illustrated in Chester Jones, Colefax and Fowler: The Best in English Interior Decoration, 2000.

This impressive mantelpiece is in overall good condition. It has been re-gilt and there are some minor losses to gilding; minor break to lower left hand side and one open joint. The side back white painted uprights are of later manufacture and placed sometime after the mantelpiece was removed for its original place. The painted areas of the lower section present marks and scratches. The glass plates are mostly replaced but with age, the top panel broken. The top of the mirror has been reduced in size and the rocaille and icicle carving to top together with the upper 3in of scroll are later additions.
"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."

This exceptionally intricate giltwood overmantel and chimneypiece is a magnificent example of the taste for rococo decoration which was at its zenith in mid 18th century England and known popularly in later years as the ‘Chippendale’ style. The design clearly illustrates the influence of the third edition of Thomas Chippendale’s famous pattern book, The Gentleman and Cabinet-maker’s Director, 1762, which includes multiple designs for overmantels and chimneypieces, elements of which can be found in the present lot. This mirror boldly fuses the schemata illustrated on Plate CLXXXI, with the central cartouche from the right hand plate being used in combination with leaf and C-scroll carvings and floral garlands. Further, the icicle motifs and the pair of pagoda shaped leaf canopies all point to the fashion of the period for Chinoiserie.