Object Description
This large scale antique armillary sundial on a terracotta pedestal is a Blanchard original, stamped at the base with a maker’s mark.
The column base dates from the late 19th century and is paired with a modern armillary sphere of impressive scale, making a striking statement in a large country garden or scenic courtyard.
Sculpted in terracotta, the base is intricately modelled with masks and scrolls on each side above a Solomonic spiral twist pedestal. This makes for a finely elegant yet hardwearing design, the blend of old and new complementing each other beautifully for use as an ornamental garden feature.
We have a matching sundial available, also by Blanchard & Co. which could be used alongside this one to create a uniform and sophisticated garden design.
Blanchard & Co.
Blanchard was one of the leading manufacturers of terracotta of the 19th century specialising in statuary such as vases and busts as well as larger scale architectural ornaments.
The firm was established around 1940 by Mark Henry Blanchard in Blackfriars Road, London, as is stamped on the base of this pedestal.
He was formerly an apprentice at the Coade Factory in Lambeth and is even reputed to have acquired some of its moulds in 1843 following the closure of the Coade Stone Factory. At the Great Exhibition of 1851, Blanchard won a number of prizes which allegedly inspired the famous Blashfield to set up a competing business. The Blanchard firm continued to trade until the 1870s.
Additional Dimensions
Plinth height: 133.5 cm (52.56 in)
Base: 35 x 35 cm (13.78 x 13.78 in)
Capitol: 46 x 46 cm (18.11 x 18.11 in)
Weight
Sundial: 5 kg (11.02lbs)
Head: 43 kg (94.8lbs)
Plinth:67 kg