Object Description
A Very Fine Quality And Extremely Rare Matched Pair
Of Regency Mahogany Cellarettes, Or Wine Coolers,
Of Bold Proportions And Sarcophagus Design, Each
With Superbly Carved Knob To Hinged Lid, Enclosing
Lead Lining To One And Later Paper Lining To Other
Both With Panelled Front Raised On Original
Bracket Feet With Castors
Each Bearing Makers Stamp Of ” T & G Seddon ”
(This incredible matched pair of cellarettes, or wine coolers
really are quite something. They are of oversized form and quite
exceptional quality. Clearly produced in the same workshop. at
pretty much exactly the same time the differences between them
are negligible, with some examples being dimensional discrepancies
between the panelling, a difference in the thickness and height
of the knobs despite the design being identical and the the fact
that one stands an inch or so taller & deeper than the other. Its
also worth noting that one appears to retain it’s original castors
whilst the other has later replacement castors and also that at
present one comes with working lock and key and the other
doesn’t. They are however incredibly rare, we have never owned
one which combines this design with this size and therefore feel that
finding a pair is an incredibly rare feat indeed!)
When Thomas & George Seddon took on the family firm in around they continued
to operate from the existing London House premises until 1826 when they branched
out into a West End Showroom at 16 Lower Grosvenor Street. Just a year later, in
1827 the firm entered into a high profile, temporary partnership with Nicholas Morel
for the purpose of furnishing Windsor Castle. The arrangement last for four years and
by the end of it had resulted in the firm of T & G Seddon being awarded a Royal
Warrant in 1832, allowing them to add a crown to their name stamp from then
onwards.
Wine Coolers & Cellarettes are generally regarded as the same thing, made to serve
the same purpose, which is to house the wine in the dining room before and during
meal times once it has been brought up from the cellar. All of the grandest houses
would have had at least a couple of these and the grander they were, the bigger
the status symbol when entertaining guests of course!)
Circa 1835
Height – 26in/27.5in
Width – 38.75in
Depth – 22.5in/23/5in