Gilded-wood bench

Thomas Hope

before 1807 · Gilded mahogany, modern wool cover and silk trims · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

A member of a wealthy banking family and sophisticated patron of the arts, Thomas Hope set out to influence and improve contemporary taste through the publication of his own collection in Household Furniture and Interior Decoration (1807). This bench shows influence of Hope’s archeological taste and may have been part of the furnishings of his country house The Deepdene, Dorking, Surrey. It was possibly sold in the Christie’s sale of the Hope heirlooms held at Deepdene over six consecutive days in September of 1917. Lot 1044, sold on September 17th, consisted of: "a carved 4ft. 4in. gilt Egyptian pattern settee with scroll ends, on claw feet, and squab seat upholstered in gold satin damask".

Artist

Thomas Hope

Date

before 1807

Medium

Gilded mahogany, modern wool cover and silk trims

Culture

British

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Purchase, The James Parker Charitable Foundation Gift, 2014