Chippendale Furniture Urns for Auction

Published 3rd April 2013

A Pair of George III Mahogany Pedestal Urns (FS18/813) offered in our Two Day Fine Art Sale starting on 24th April 2013 at our salerooms in Exeter, Devon.

As a fine art auctioneer, it is always exciting to see items of top quality arrive at the saleroom in whichever of the many categories that we cover. In the Spring Fine Art Auction to be held on 24th/25th April 2013, the particular category is furniture.

For far too long a period of time, the mention of the words brown furniture has generally resulted in many a glum face and phrases such as 'When the market in English Furniture was strong' and 'Furniture prices back then were much better'.

Despite all this gloom and negativity, the top end of the furniture market has remained strong over the past few years.

Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood are pleased to offer a pair of mahogany sideboard pedestals and vases with gilt brass mounts that can justifiably be described as Chippendale (FS18/813). The gilt brass mounts are decorated with ribbon tied swags of husks and with handles modelled as masks of the devil.

A similar pair of mahogany pedestals and vases was commissioned by Ninian Home from Thomas Chippendale for Paxton House, Berwickshire, Scotland, circa 1776 and although they were not as elaborate as the rosewood and satinwood examples at Harewood House, they are none the less very imposing.

As leading fine art auctioneers in the South West of England, we are delighted that this Georgian Furniture was consigned for sale from a West Country home. The pre-sale estimate is between £120,000 and £160,000.