Back
European Furniture & Decorative Arts
|
- Sale 1268
Live
| Chicago
Jun 29 | 10:00 AM CDT
Live
| Chicago
Sale 1268
| Chicago
| Chicago
Estimate$12,000 – $18,000
Note:
The Elizabethan panels included in the present lot come from Whitehall Manor, Shrewsbury. Situated on an estate formerly home to Shrewsbury Abbey, Whitehall was built during the last quarter of the 16th century by Richard Prince, a prominent lawyer. The manor was built with timber construction to a compact square plan—unusual for a period where great halls dominated popular architecture—with numerous pointed gables, highly ornamented chimneys and a central octagonal turret.
During the reign of James I, oak panels with finely carved wainscoting were installed throughout the manor. While records do not indicate from where in the manor the panels in the present lot were taken, this group most closely resembles those that were once installed in the upper room of the manor's gatehouse [1]. The scale of the panels makes sense in the context of an upper room when considering that the gabled construction of all four elevations of the manor would have necessitated panels shorter in height than what might have been typical in a grand country manor of the period.
In February 1920, Country Life published images of the manor commenting on how remarkable it was that the interiors had remained so intact [2]. Despite passing hands through a number of subsequent owners, there were few alterations made over the centuries, with exception of the addition of bolection molding during the Georgian period.
In 1928, the panels from five rooms were removed from the manor. The town of Shrewsbury was offered the panels, but failed to raise the necessary funds. As such, the panels were sent by ship to Marshall Field and Company in Chicago where they were publicly exhibited in the Decorating Galleries. Following the exhibition, the panels were purportedly installed in the private offices of Marshall Fields before finding their way back to a private collection.
Whitehall has hosted such historically significant guests as King Charles I, Oliver Cromwell and Charles Darwin, among others, and now serves as government offices.
[1] See image of Whitehall's Gatehouse in H. Avray Tipping, "Country Homes Gardens Old & New: Whitehall, Shropshire: The Property of Captain W. G. Dugdale," Country Life (Archive: 1901-2005), vol. 47, no. 1206, Feb 14, 1920, p. 205.
[2] Ibid, pp. 204-205.
To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]
European Furniture & Decorative Arts Department
Please contact our team of specialists with any questions about the auction
Other panels:
Height 91 1/2 x width 59 3/8 inches.
Height 92 x width 50 1/2 inches.
Height 92 x width 43 inches.
Height 91 5/8 x width 38 1/4 inches.
Height 92 3/8 x 28 1/2 inches.
Height 91 5/8 x width 16 3/4 inches.
Associated boards:
Height 91 3/4 x width 6 3/4 inches.
Height 91 3/4 x width 8 inches.
Door: height 82 3/4 x width 36 x depth 2 1/2 inches.
The largest panel with two patches holes along the bottom and an larger open hole along the top. Age cracks in five of the sections and later added rails along one side for joining. Later braces with screws added on the back.
The second largest panel with age cracks in four of the sections and later added braces on the back. With a later framework built around three of the four sides and stained to match.
Two smaller panels which are each three sections wide also have later braces added on the back. One of those two panels is in fragile, wobbly condition needing support. Several small drill holes in one of those two panels.
Another smaller panel which is two sections wide has later framework added to three of four edges and tight age cracks in some of the sections as well as a circular plugged hole in the middle.
The door has hinges, a brass handle and a latch which are older but not original and age cracks in some of the sections. There are old nail sights where earlier hardware once was and plugged holes where large hinges once extended across the door.
The panel which is one section wide is a modern reproduction made to match and has some drill holes.
Condition reports are available upon request. All lots are sold “as is,” in the condition they are in at the time of the auction. The physical condition of lots can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration. Prospective buyers are strongly advised to inspect a lot personally or through a knowledgeable representative prior to bidding. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Prospective buyers must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction, and it is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that they have requested, received and considered any condition report.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
