Grate basket and fender
Adam's pen-and-ink design for the ceiling is dated January 1763, the year the plasterwork was carried out by Joseph Rose (1746–1799). The names of the other craftsmen who worked on the architectural elements of the room are recorded in the building and furnishing accounts for the house, which have survived. The carving of the window and door frames, baseboard, and chair rail was executed by Sefferin Alken (act. 1744–83). The lapis lazuli tablet in the chimneypiece entabulature was provided by Joseph Wilton (1722–1803); John Wildsmith (act. 1746–69) carved the marble chimneypiece itself in 1760. The oak floor is the original and was laid down at the Museum following a diagram made while it was still in situ.
The Tapestry Room from Croome Court, Worcestershire, the seat of the Earls of Coventry, was begun in 1763 and finished in 1771. The sixth Earl of Coventry (1722–1809) commissioned these tapestries for Croome Court from Jacques Neilson's workshop at the Royal Gobelins Manufactory in Paris in August 1763. Portraying scenes from classical myths symbolizing the elements, the medallions are based on designs by François Boucher. Portraying scenes from classical myths symbolizing the elements, the medallions are based on designs by François Boucher. The set was delivered and in place by June 1771. The group was the first using this design to be woven with a crimson background and it may have been the first made specifically to extend around four walls of a room without architectural frames.
Artwork Details
- Title: Grate basket and fender
- Maker: Possibly by Thomas Blockley
- Date: ca. 1760–69
- Culture: British, London
- Medium: Steel, cast iron
- Dimensions: Grate (c): Gr. H. (at front) 29 x W. 36 1/2 x D. 13 1/2 in. (73.7 x 92.7 x 34.3 cm);
Fender (d): H. 5 1/4 x 52 in. (13.3 x L. 132.1 cm) - Classification: Metalwork-Steel
- Credit Line: Gift of Samuel H. Kress Foundation, 1958
- Object Number: 58.75.1c, d
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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