A WILLIAM AND MARY WALNUT AND FLORAL MARQUETRY MIRROR

During the reign of Charles II, pier sets comprising mirrors of this type, accompanied by dressing tables and candlestands, occupied the principal window piers in luxuriously appointed bedroom apartments. Just such a set was supplied by Thomas Pistor to James Grahme of Levens Hall, Cumbria in 1684 at a cost of £9.0.0: Large wall(nut) flowerd Looking glass & Tables and stands flowered' (illustrated in A. Bowett, English Furniture from Charles II to Queen Anne, London, 2002, pl.4.19). Frames were made from a variety of materials, ranging from veneers of walnut, olive, laburnum, and other fruitwoods to ebony, tortoise-shell and silver and the marquetry was frequently executed by Huguenot emigré craftsmen working in London.

Hugh Granger, a cabinet-maker who could be found at the sign of 'The Carved Angel', Aldermanbury, London (1692-1706) was one of a number of craftsmen who produced mirrors of 'Markatree carved with flowers and finely coloured' - including the labelled mirror sold at Christie's London, 24 April 2008, lot 431.