Ex-Prime Minister’s cabinets fetch £431,000 at Bonhams
Published June 28th, 2006
Full details at Bonhams
A fine pair of early 19th century ormolu-mounted ebony cabinets belonging to the family of the Victorian Prime Minister William Gladstone (1808 - 98) sold today (27 June 2006) for a staggering £431,200. Furniture specialists at Bonhams’ salerooms in New Bond Street, London, had expected bidding to exceed £300,000 at the Sale of Fine and Important Continental Furniture, Works of Art and Tapestries and they were not left disappointed.
The cabinets - bought by an anonymous bidder - are attributed to master craftsmen Georges Jacob (1739 - 1814) and his son François-Honoré-Georges Jacob Desmalter (1770 - 1841), who were principal suppliers of fine furniture to the sumptuous residences of Napoleon and George IV. They are an exquisite example of the taste for exotic and unusual style and material so prolific in the early 19th century. Set within the marble-topped ebony cabinets are black and gold lacquer panels intricately decorated with pheasants and finches amongst flora and fauna. These panels date from the late 17th century and were originally made in Japan.
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