A PAIR OF FRENCH GOTHIC REVIVAL GREEN-PAINTED CAST-IRON GARDEN BENCHES

The design for this bench is illustrated in the 1858 Barbezat et Cie. Fonderies du Val D'Osne catalogue under Bancs de Jardin, Plate 251. The industry of producing cast-iron garden ornament and furniture was at its height in France during this period, with numerous Parisian foundries producing a wealth of garden furniture in this ideal medium. The Societé Anonyme du Val d'Osne was no exception, being responsible for producing some of the finest quality workmanship in the field. The company changed ownership twice in the late 1860s, from the renowned firm of Barbezat to the Societé Anonyme du Val d'Osne in 1870. An identical seat is illustrated in F. Collard, Regency Furniture, p. 232, and in J. Davis, Antique Garden Ornament, 1991, p. 350.