These two pier glasses and tables are closely related to a surviving drawing by Chippendale now in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Although they do not copy the drawing exactly, elements on the glasses, like the anthemion pattern around the frame and masks with dropped husks on each corner, were evidently used. The carved ornaments surmounting the glasses and the marquetry work on the table tops can also be seen repeated in Adam's plasterwork for two tablets on the walls, creating a harmonious and unified room scheme.
The two pier tables, designed to sit below each glass, have been returned to their original position especially for the exhibition. The beautiful marquetry work still retains much of its original vibrancy and the painterly effects created by the engraved pen work, green staining and woods scorched in hot sand can still be seen today. The frames display typical Neo-Classical motifs, such as bell husks, anthemion, acanthus leaves and the mask of pan, ideally suited to a room devoted to music. It was entirely gilt in two different colours, giving the whole a much more lavish effect.
Two Pier Tables & Glasses
c.1771
The Earl & Countess of Harewood, & the Trustees of the Harewood House Trust
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