Drawing for a pedestal and lantern

This is the design drawing for a set of six lanterns and pedestals supplied by Thomas Chippendale to Harewood House in 1774. The bill for the pedestals and lanterns runs as follows: '6 Antique Brass Gerandoles with ornaments on pedestals finely Chased & finished in Gold Lacquer with three Branches each, carving the patterns in Wood for Casting and afterwards Chasing the Patterns in Lead and brass &c. Included… £90 12 0'. The pedestals are still at Harewood where they were recorded in the 1795 inventory as ‘6 Green & gold Pedestals & Lamps' on the Principal Staircase. They were subsequently repainted but traces of the original green and gold scheme can be seen beneath the later paint. The drawing is very different in style from those by Thomas Chippendale senior and is attributed to his son Thomas Chippendale junior on the basis of its similarity to the latter's known work. Chippendale junior was first recorded as active in his father's firm in 1766, aged 17, and it is likely he played a significant role as a designer for the firm in the 1770s prior to his father's death in 1779. It is one of seven drawings owned by The Chippendale Society extracted from an album assembled by the Toronto businessman Alexander Manning (1819-1903). Manning emigrated from Ireland to Canada and arrived in Toronto in 1834. A carpenter by training, he became one of the most successful builders and property developers in Toronto and was also active in local politics, serving twice as mayor in 1873 and 1885. In later life he became a philanthropist and patron of the arts, but the drawings presumably relate to his professional interests as a builder. It is not known how Manning acquired the drawings and their provenance prior to his ownership is unknown.

This item is owned by The Chippendale Society. Explore the Society’s website and collections by clicking the external link below.