MakerAttributed to
John Vardy(English, 1718–1765)English, 1718–1765
CultureEnglish
Titles
- Stool for the Palm Room, Spencer House, London (one of a pair)
Datec. 1757
PlaceEngland
MediumLimewood, gilding, and upholstery (not original)
Dimensions17 × 26 1/2 × 22 in. (43.2 × 67.3 × 55.9 cm)
Credit LineThe Rienzi Collection, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III
Object number94.903.1
Not on view
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Department
RienziObject Type
This gilded stool was part of a suite made specifically for the spectacular Palm Room at Spencer House, the London home of the Spencers, the family of Diana, Princess of Wales.
An unusual and important design, the stool features stylized, highly carved palm motifs that reflect the decoration featured in teh Palm Room's interior. John Vardy, one of the leading London architects of the eighteenth century, not only designed the Palladian-style house itself, but also much of Spencer House's furnishings and ground-floor interiors.
ProvenanceJohn, later 1st Earl Spencer, Spencer House, London, (probably) 1757; by descent to George John, 2nd Earl Spencer then the Spencer family; [H. Blairman & Sons, London]; Sir Alexander Korda; Mrs. A. I. Metcalfe; [Sotheby's London, June 4, 1976, lot 99]; [Hotspur, London, 1977]; purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III; given to MFAH, 1994.
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
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John Vardy
c. 1757
Limewood, gilt, and upholstery (not original)
94.903.2
Robert Adam
Commissioned 1764, made 1765
Limewood, pine, beech and gilding with later silk upholstery
2014.810
Richard Wright
c. 1750 or later
Mahogany and upholstery (not original)
94.893.2
Richard Wright
c. 1750 or later
Mahogany and upholstery (not original)
94.893.1
Herter Brothers
c. 1881–1882
Rosewood, marquetry of lighter woods, cedar, brass, leather, upholstery not original
89.111
c. 1785–1815
Ash; painted and gilded, composition decoration; original linen and horsehair foundation; gilded brass tacks; and modern silk cover
B.91.51
