About
Pair of 18th century George III Gilt Chippendale mirror brackets Attributed to the Master Carver, Thomas Johnson Incredible carving of realistic flora and fauna. Seated Shepherdesses with carved lambs, rock cropping, water features and rocaille tracery. magnificent and as found. Thomas Johnson (1714-1778): Thomas Johnson was a carver and a gilder, who first published his designs in the publication Twelve Girandoles which appeared in 1755. Despite being a slim volume, it served to introduce his work to a wider audience. This was followed by a series of 53 designs published between 1756 and 1757. Johnson was a carver rather than a cabinet-maker, and, as a result, his designs have been seen as far more inventive than those of his contemporary cabinet-makers – such as Chippendale; and Mayhew and Ince. Thomas Johnson played with forms and motifs, experimenting with the design of wall lights, girandoles and console tables. His engravings were frequently so intricate that they could not be completed. As a result, it is feasible that they may have been used as a tool to promote his inventiveness, rather than for practical purposes. In the early 1760s, Johnson is known to have supplied mirrors through the London upholsterer George Cole of Golden Square, Soho, to Paul Methuen at Corsham Court, Wiltshire, and the Duke of Atholl at Blair Castle in the Scottish Highlands.
Details
Attributed to
Thomas Johnson, London 1 (Maker)
Dimensions
Height: 50 in. (127 cm)
Width: 23 in. (58.42 cm)
Depth: 6 in. (15.24 cm)
Sold As: Set of 2
Style: Chippendale (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques: Gilt, Wood
Place of Origin: England
Period: 18th Century
Date of Manufacture: 1765
Condition
Good
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor restorations. Backboards replaced. Requires minor conservation.
Seller Location
Essex, MA
