Object Literature
Literature:
Payne, Christopher. British Furniture 1820 to 1920 : The Luxury Market. ACC Art Books 2023, p. 321, illustrating the console table.
Wright & Mansfield
Wright & Mansfield, a renowned British furniture making firm, operated from 1861 to 1884. Founded by Alfred Thomas Wright and George Needham Mansfield, the company quickly rose to prominence after winning awards at the 1862 London International Exhibition. They were known for their high-quality reproductions and original pieces inspired by 18th-century designs, often incorporating Wedgwood plaques, intricate marquetry, and fine wood veneers. Wright & Mansfield’s most notable commissions included furnishing Guisachan House, Brook House in London, and Haddo House in Aberdeenshire. The firm’s exceptional craftsmanship was recognized internationally, winning the only gold medal for art furniture awarded to a British firm at the 1867 Paris Universal Exhibition.
Despite their success and royal patronage, Wright & Mansfield faced challenges due to the expensive nature of their wares and their small output. The partnership dissolved in 1884, likely due to Alfred Wright’s failing health, and the firm’s valuable stock was dispersed in sales in 1886 and 1887. Although the business closed, Wright & Mansfield’s legacy lives on through their pieces in museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and in private collections. Their work at Haddo House remains their only complete interior decoration scheme still in existence.
