A pair of George III carved giltwood girandoles, circa 1765, in the manner of Thomas Chippendale

each shaped mirror plate within an asymmetrical frame of moulded scrolls, leaves and flowers with an urn of blooms to one side, the moulding beneath a balustrade supported by scrolls of leaves and flanked by candle-arms, re-gilt, one plate possibly replaced

An attractive pair of girandoles in good overall condition displaying a good depth of carving. Re-gilt as stated but of a mellow tone. Some miniscule chips and rubbing to gilding but overall in a good ready to use condition.
"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."

These girandoles are characteristic of the exuberance of English rococo design found in the work of Thomas Chippendale. The mixture of sharp architectural line juxtaposed with the free flowing scrolling acanthus highlights Chippendale’s imagination and ability to combine many motifs in one uniform piece. The design for these girandoles is taken directly form Chippendale’s Director and was immensely popular throughout England during the second half of the 18th century. (Thomas Chippendale, The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, 1762, 3rd ed., illustrates related designs for 'Girandoles', pl. CLXXXVIII.) Chippendale's pattern is likely to have evolved from his Girandole, incorporating a Chinese waterside pagoda that he published in the 1754 Director (pl. 140). Elements of which, such as the balustrade to the base and the urn finials, can be seen in the present lot.

Chippendale supplied several pairs of girandoles to some of the most beautiful houses in England including his most famous commission at Harewood. Edwin Lascelles commissioned a pair for Harewood on 12 November 1773 and described as 2 large Gerandoles with Looking Glasses, Treble branches and antique Ornaments, exceeding richly carved and highly finished in Burnished Gold - £75.