Description
Chippendale made versions of these pedestals between 1775 and 1780, for example those at Paxton in the Scottish borders, showing minor variations in design such as position and carving of the paterae.
A pair of near identical pedestals with original gilt brass mounted dining urns together with a curved serving table, were supplied to Rockbeare Manor, Exeter in the early 1770s. It is possible these pedestals were for the same property. The lift up tops indicate that they were not intended for heavy dining urns but for candelabra, (candles would have been kept underneath), and would have fitted into an opposing, curved bay in the Rockbeare dining room. However, no Chippendale invoices are yet known for the property.
The quality of crafsmanship along with workshop details of manufacture and metalwork, indicate clearly that these pedestals were made in Thomas Chippendale’s London workshop between 1775-1780.
