A LIFE-SIZE FRENCH MARBLE FIGURAL TORCHERE

This imposing torchère was formerly in the collection of Sir Dhunjibhoy and Lady Bomanji, purchased in the 1920s and installed at their residence The Willows in Windsor, England before moving permanently to Pineheath House in Harrogate. 
Sir Dhunjibhoy Bomanji was an Indian born shipping magnate and philanthropist who built a great fortune from shipping and allied interests in Bombay. Knighted in 1922 for services to the nation, among many generous benefactions he paid for the equestrian statue of Earl Haig at Edinburgh Castle. Following Sir Dhunjibhoy's death, and after World War II, Lady Bomanji moved permanently to their Harrogate home, Pineheath, accompanied by her daughter Mrs. Mehroo Jehangir whose husband had been tragically killed in an air raid in London. Lady Bomanji was affectionately known as ‘Lady Harrogate’, and her daughter took over many of her charitable and civic roles. Pineheath was a testament to belle époque splendor, the furnishings were cared for, but remained relatively untouched for its sixty years at the center of Harrogate society.