A WILLIAM IV ROSEWOOD AND PARCEL-GILT CENTRE TABLE

Powerscourt, one of the most famous of all Irish houses, was largely the creation of Richard Wingfield (d. 1751), 1st Viscount Powerscourt from 1728-43 to designs by Richard Castle, but was extensively remodelled by the 6th and 7th Viscounts Powerscourt throughout the 19th century, including a suite of drawing rooms redecorated for the visit of King George IV in 1821. The 6th Viscount spent much of his time travelling in Italy for his health and it was he who brought the finest of the bronzes, marbles and ornaments that decorate the magnificent gardens, laid out in grand Baroque manner under the direction of Daniel Robertson from 1842.
The estate remained in the family, but with mounting debts the house was sold in 1961 to Mr. R Mrs. Ralph Slazenger, but the house was tragically gutted by fire in November 1974 just before it was due to open to the public. Many of the furnishings that survived were dispersed in Christie's house sale, Powerscourt, 24 and 25 September 1984.