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Baskets, Stands, Liners 1972-438,1a-c and 1972-438,2a-c

Dessert basket and stand, one of a pair

Date1787-1788

Marked by John Wakelin & William Taylor (working 1776-1792)

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling); gold (silver-gilt); leaded glass

DimensionsDimensions of assembled object (basket, stand, liner): OH: 8"; OL: 15 3/8"; OW: 10 3/4" Dimensions of Basket: OH: 4 3/8"; OL: 14 3/8"; W: 8 3/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1972-438,1A-C

DescriptionOne of a pair of gilded silver dessert baskets and stands with leaded cut glass liners: Four small laural husk feet support a flared oval dessert basket with pierced sides and border of Vitruvian scrolls; on either long end a ram's head mask with drop-ring handle; centered on each side an applied armorial medallion suspended by a bowknot. The oval stand also supported on four small laural husk feet and with similar armorial medallions and decorations. An oval leaded cut glass liner with scalloped rim completes each basket and stand.
Label TextWith its rich gilding and faceted cut glass liner, this dessert basket and stand would have graced a spectacular dining table. One of a pair, such baskets would be filed with an array of fresh seasonal fruits to serve as the chief ornaments for a formal dessert course. The sparkling leaded glass liner is original; its use reflects the rise of the Anglo-Irish glass making industry at the end of the eighteenth century as well as the importance of lavishly ornamented tableware for dessert. The London silversmithing firm of Wakelin and Taylor made these baskets for Henry Fiennes Pelham-Clinton (1720–1794), 2nd Duke of Newcastle under Lyme, a wealthy and well-connected member of the British aristocracy who held a lifetime appointment as Controller of Customs for the port of London.
InscribedEngraved on opposite sides of each basket and stand with the coat of arms of Henry Fiennes Pelham-Clinton (1720-1794), 2nd Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyne and 9th Earl of Lincoln. Motto: LOYALTH NA HONTE

Basket #1 also inscribed "47=3" on base (to indicate weight)
MarkingsMarked in relief on underside of basket #1: 1) soverign's head duty mark; 2) date letter "m" for 1787-88; 3) leopard's head crowned; 4) lion passant; and 5) sponsor's mark "fleur de lis over I•W over W•T" in a shaped cartouche [Grimwade 1990, # 1764]
ProvenanceThe dukes of Newcastle (sold by Henry Francis Hope, 8th duke of Newcastle, at Christie, Manson & Woods, London, 1921)
Mrs. N. Loean (sold at Christie, Manson & Woods, London, 1972; purchased by Harvey & Gore, London)
Thomas Lumley Ltd., London
Acquired by CWF in 1972.