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Lot 98
A PAIR OF REGENCY BRASS-MOUNTED OAK BOOKCASES
CIRCA 1800
Closed10 April 2019
Price Realised
GBP 10,000
More Information
Specialist note
For further information please see christies.com.
A PAIR OF BOOKCASES FROM JAMES WYATT'S LIBRARY AT HINTON HOUSE
There has been a Hinton House on the same site since 1490 but very little of the original building remains. With the family's newly elevated status in 1627, the 1st Baron Paulet (d. 1649) improved and enlarged the house accordingly. A new south wing, built following the design principles of Inigo Jones, was completed by 1636. Just a few years later in 1650 the estate ledgers show extensive building work was carried out, resulting in two further wings. In the early 18th century, John, 1st Earl Poulett (1675-1743) remodelled the Long Gallery. However, it was in 1789 that the most drastic alterations of Hinton occurred, under John, 4th Earl Poulett (1756-1819). However, just a year after completion, in 1794, the Earl, still not satisfied, engaged Sir John Soane to remodel the interior. In spite of making plans and several visits to the house, the Earl decided at the last moment that he preferred the newly fashionable Gothic style and employed the architect James Wyatt (1746-1813) instead to proceed with the modifications. It was under Wyatt's direction that the panelled Grand Saloon, vaulted Gothic Gallery, as well as the two towers that flank the west of the house, were added. The Library was redesigned, with bookshelves 'lined with crimson moreen' and ceiling mouldings in the latest fashion (C. Winn, The Pouletts of Hinton St. George, London, 1976, p. 143). The majority of the contents of Hinton House were sold by George, 8th Earl Poulett (d. 1973) in sales at Sotheby's, London, 1 November, 8 November 1968 and 28 March 1969 and at Lawrence's, Crewkerne, 23-24 October 1968.
A PAIR OF BOOKCASES FROM JAMES WYATT'S LIBRARY AT HINTON HOUSE
There has been a Hinton House on the same site since 1490 but very little of the original building remains. With the family's newly elevated status in 1627, the 1st Baron Paulet (d. 1649) improved and enlarged the house accordingly. A new south wing, built following the design principles of Inigo Jones, was completed by 1636. Just a few years later in 1650 the estate ledgers show extensive building work was carried out, resulting in two further wings. In the early 18th century, John, 1st Earl Poulett (1675-1743) remodelled the Long Gallery. However, it was in 1789 that the most drastic alterations of Hinton occurred, under John, 4th Earl Poulett (1756-1819). However, just a year after completion, in 1794, the Earl, still not satisfied, engaged Sir John Soane to remodel the interior. In spite of making plans and several visits to the house, the Earl decided at the last moment that he preferred the newly fashionable Gothic style and employed the architect James Wyatt (1746-1813) instead to proceed with the modifications. It was under Wyatt's direction that the panelled Grand Saloon, vaulted Gothic Gallery, as well as the two towers that flank the west of the house, were added. The Library was redesigned, with bookshelves 'lined with crimson moreen' and ceiling mouldings in the latest fashion (C. Winn, The Pouletts of Hinton St. George, London, 1976, p. 143). The majority of the contents of Hinton House were sold by George, 8th Earl Poulett (d. 1973) in sales at Sotheby's, London, 1 November, 8 November 1968 and 28 March 1969 and at Lawrence's, Crewkerne, 23-24 October 1968.