Loveday Antiques Ltd

Description

A fine George III Serpentine Mahogany Commode, Firmly Attributed to Henry Hill of Marlborough with wonderful original colour and patina.
English Circa 1770
Of outstanding colour and patination, this fine commode is of serpentine shape, highly influenced by the French models of the late rococo period but with a very English sensibility. It is veneered throughout in mahogany of exceptional figure, the veneers bookmatched across the drawer fronts for additional visual impact. The veneers on the top of the piece are especially well figured and have aged beautifully. The commode consists of three drawers with a brushing slide above, standing on curving feet which come directly from the stiles as is usually the case on commodes of this form.
The commode is firmly attributed to the fine maker Henry Hill of Marlborough. Active from around 1741 until his death in 1778, Hill had a wide-ranging clientele, certainly not merely restricted to the local area as was the case for many provincial makers. His clients included Baron Methuen of Corsham Court, the Hoare family at Stourhead and the Talbot family of Lacock Abbey but he also provided large amounts of furniture to the Delavel family for their London townhouse (their principal seat being Seaton Delavel Hall in Northumberland so no obvious Wiltshire connection). This commission included related commodes, relevant to the present piece, and the surviving correspondence between patron and maker discussed all of the various options that were available in terms of shape, woods and finishing options. A related commode was also supplied to Maiden Bradley, seat of the Dukes of Somerset, both of these commissions dating to the early 1770s.
Hill's career has been unusually well recorded and the names of many of his apprentices are known as well as records of his work as an auctioneer and upholsterer. It is this model of commode, and a related model of Pembroke table, however, that are regarded today as Hill's trademark pieces and examples of each have been in some of the most important private collections worldwide. In 2007, Bonham's chose a related model of commode attributed to Hill as their cover image for their sale of Fine English and Continental Furniture, 20th of November of that year. The piece made just under £25,000. In 2010, a closely related commode, with additional ormolu mounts, sold at Christie's on the 22nd of October for $64,900 in New York and another, from an interior created by the great interior decorator Robert Kime, made £18,750 on the 23rd of July 2020. Other commodes attributed to Hill are illustrated in numerous important reference books. Dr Lucy Wood has written extensively on Hill's output, particularly in her Catalogue of Commodes in the Lady Lever Art Gallery. In addition, a commode now believed to be by Hill features in F. Lewis Hinckley's A Directory of Antique Furniture, fig. 602, and a further example was exhibited by the dealer Trevor Antiques in the Fanfare For Europe exhibition, held in 1973 to celebrate Britain's entry in to the EU.
The metalware on this commode is also particularly noteworthy. The handles with their floral back plates are an especially fine model, beautifully cast, chased and gilded. The same backplates occur on another commode attributed to Hill sold at Christie's on the 20th of November 1986, lot 173. The handles on this commode, however, had different bales. What is particularly interesting on our piece is the very fine pattern of small handles used on the brushing slide. These appear to be identical to those used on the inner drawers on the Osterley Park lacquer secretaire supplied by Thomas Chippendale to the Earls of Jersey

The fact that Hill was apparently utilising sophisticated London-quality metalware on his finest pieces being very interesting indeed.
This commode is an example of a sophisticated design that is pleasing to the eye, made with the finest quality materials.

Importantly this commode has remained in Wiltshire for all of its life, in outstanding untouched country house condition, seemingly very likely indeed to have been bought directly from Hill in the 1770’s and handed down the generations before being acquired by us from a source in that area. It has the finest possible patina and original surface and, as such, will appeal to all connoisseurs and collectors of the highest quality English furniture.
Dimensions

Width 42 1/2 inches - 108cm

Height 32 1/2 inches - 83cm

Depth 25 1/2 inches - 65cm
Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London. Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.
Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

FREE UK MAINLAND SHIPPING INCLUDED WITHIN THE PRICE.
(possible surcharge for remote areas of Wales and Scotland)

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS
All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.
Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS
We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.
We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.

Please contact us for location and appointments.

Telephone 01438 869 819

Email info@lovedayantiques.co.uk

Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.

Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.
If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment

We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.