Millington Adams

Artist / Maker / Factory

Attributed to WRIGHT & ELWICK (born 1726)

Medium / Material

Cuban Mahogany

Dimensions

51.00inch wide   32.00inch high   26.50inch deep (129.54 cm wide  81.28 cm high  67.31 cm deep)

Description

A superb, rare George II well figured, Cuban mahogany serpentine commode, after a design by Thomas Chippendale, probably by Wright & Elwick of Wakefield. The top with deep serpentine front and canted serpentine side wings sides, with end grain moulded edge. Below to the centre four long graduated, mahogany lined drawers fitted with Chippendale style rococo handles, with a canted serpentine door either side with applied foliate carved mouldings, opening to reveal a cupboard interior with central shelf. Below a further end-grain moulding and scrolling apron over four intricately shaped bracket feet. The piece is constructed of the finest well figured early Cuban mahogany, with excellent colour, patina and of superb construction throughout.

The Wakefield based partnership between Richard Wright & Edward Elwick lasted between 1747-1771 and was the most prominent in Yorkshire in the second half of the 18th century with the same levels of patronage within the county that Gillows was to develop within Lancashire. Their list of patrons was indeed lengthy and distinguished and included the likes of Sir Rowland Winn at Nostell Priory, the Duke of Norfolk at Worksop Manor, Viscount Irwin at Temple Newsam House, John Spencer at Cannon Hall and most notably, the Marquis of Rockingham at Wentworth Woodhouse. This early piece bears all the hallmarks of the Wright & Elwick workshop, a Chippendale design with fine early construction.

Provenance

Deceased estate Bognor Regis, bought off Frank Partridge at the Antique Dealers Fair, Grosvenor House London, late 1950’s/early 1960s.

Literature

English, George II, circa 1750

Current Condition

Excellent. The commode has been waxed, minor restorations. Brassware old replacements.

Status

Sold