Drawing for a girandole bracket

The drawing depicts an unusual furniture form, a wall bracket for a bust with a pair of candle branches issuing from each side. The style is a mixture of rococo and classical, executed in Thomas Chippendale senior's characteristically free hand with a subtle use of wash to suggest shade and perspective. The rendering of the scrolling candle branches is comparable to several of Chippendale's published designs in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director (both 1754 and 1762). This is one of seven drawings extracted from an album assembled by the Toronto businessman, Alexander Manning (1819-1903). He emigrated from Ireland and arrived in Toronto in 1834. A carpenter by training, Manning 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.