The Linnel things in life
FURNITURE sparks major debate in the antiques world because ‘brown’ furniture as it is often called can fail to gain the recognition it deserves. Times change, tastes change but one thing never alters – the sheer quality of furniture hand-crafted centuries ago, every part made with care, precision and built to endure.
Back then there were no short cuts, no modern power tools or electrical supplies. As an aside, the first public electricity generator in Britain was installed in Godalming, Surrey, in 1881.
When you consider all this and then see a particularly fine example of furniture made hundreds of years ago, it’s quite humbling. Such is the case with an 18th century marquetry cabinet currently adding elegance to our Derbyshire showroom.
In my opinion, it’s one of the finest pieces of furniture Hansons has ever had the pleasure of offering for auction. Believed to be crafted by a renowned London maker in the 1700s, it could fetch more than £20,000 in Hansons’ December 6 Fine Art Auction.
Not only does it boast history and pedigree, it’s small enough to fit easily in any home. One issue with antique furniture is that it can be too large, heavy and cumbersome for many typical properties.
But this cabinet is as neat as it is elegant – light and nimble. It has been attributed to John Linnell (1729-1796). Linnell was a highly regarded designer/craftsman commissioned by some of the UK’S wealthiest families in the 18th century – including landed gentry in Derbyshire. According to our research, Linnell was commissioned by Nathaniel Curzon, 1st Baron Scarsdale at Kedleston Hall.
We’re fairly sure this important piece of neoclassical furniture can be attributed to Linnell and his prominent Berkeley Square workshop of circa 1770. After research it would appear the front panel can be attributed to Johann Christian Linning (1706-1779), a Swedish craftsman who trained in Paris under an important furniture maker to King Louis XV.
I suspect the gilt metal feet are made by the firm Matthew Bolton and John Fothergill.
The cabinet is veneered in hardwood with an oval panel. It has a contrasting boxwood or holly and partridge inlay with a garlanded leaf surround and is engraved in tulipwood. It is mounted on cabriole legs with ebonised mouldings and has a mahogany frame. It’s a thing of beauty, furniture craftsmanship at its best.
We believe the cabinet came from Culham House in Oxfordshire, a country home probably built and designed by John Phillips (17091775), a lay rector and master builder. We also know there is a similar piece of furniture exists in Harewood House in Yorkshire.
The Linnell firm was created in 1730 by William Linnell (1703-1763), and was inherited by his son John in 1763. It was one of London’s largest cabinet firms in the 18th century, boasting many important and prominent patrons. One of John Linnell’s first jobs was to create a suite of furniture for Charles Somerset, 4th Duke of Beaufort’s Chinese Bedroom at Badminton House in Gloucestershire. He also made furniture for Osterley Park House in Middlesex.
We thrive on research which allows us to understand the history and provenance of items. This knowledge can add immense value to an object, garner international appeal and, in this case, help an important find achieve its auction potential.
The cabinet will be offered in Hansons’ December 7 Winter Fine Art Auction at Etwall Auction Centre, Derbyshire, with a guide price of £15,000-£25,000. To find out more email Head of Fine Art Isabel Murtough: imurtough@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk
Entries are now invited for Hansons’ Spring Fine Art Auction 2022. To arrange a free valuation, email: service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk