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Lever started
collecting old furniture in the 1870's and 1880's - early English oak
then 18th century French items. He became interested in English -18th
century and eventually committed himself to forming a historical representation
of English furniture - in the form of period rooms. The major influence
on Lever's career as a collector was James Orrock, who saw the creation
of furniture as an important artform. The Vernacular Revival, which made
a cult of the ordinary object, was embraced by Lever who believed that
art was good for people. Whatever his intentions, Lever assembled one
of the most important public collections of English furniture - the late
18th century marquetry is unrivalled.
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The
cabinet-on-chest in a Palladian style was made by William Hallett
(1707-1781) originally for the Kirtlington Park residence of Sir
James Dashwood. Hallett was employed by Dashwood to furnish the
house.The male terms supporting the chest suggest that it was intended
for a room with a very specific and imposing decorative programme.
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State
Bed designed by Giovanni Battista Borra (1712 - 1786) for the state
bedroom at Stowe House, Buckinghamshire. The bed is in a rococco
style belying Borra's more neo-classicist leanings. It was purchased
by Lever at the Stowe House sale of 1921.
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Attributed
to William Linnell (1703-1763) and John Linnell (1729 -1796) this
china stand was one of a pair which were made for the 'Chinese'
state bedchamber at Badminton House, Gloucestershire. A drawing
by John Linnell (WIlliam's son) suggests that he probably designed
the whole suite.
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[PAINTINGS] [FURNITURE] [GREEK/ROMAN] [CHINESE] [TEXTILES] [SCULPTURE] [WEDGWOOD] [MUSEUM]
[ OPENING TIMES ] [ RESTAURANT & SHOP ] [ CHARGES ] [ EDUCATORS ]
REPRODUCED
BY PERMISSION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
ON MERSEYSIDE, LADY LEVER ART GALLERY, PORT SUNLIGHT.
NO
UNAUTHORISED COPYING OF THESE IMAGES IS PERMITTED.