A pair of Thomas Chippendale tables and mirrors have been acquired for the nation.
The 18th century objects have been allocated to the Victoria and Albert Museum under a scheme in which owners can offer treasures in lieu of inheritance tax.
While being owned by the V&A, the two tables and mirrors will remain on display, as part of a loan agreement, in the music room at Harewood House in West Yorkshire, where the furniture maker was commissioned to make the objects.
The pier tables have “exquisite marquetry tops” and “are of outstanding quality” and the glasses “represent the pinnacle of Chippendale’s craftsmanship”.
V&A director Tristram Hunt said: “It is exceptionally rare to find Thomas Chippendale furniture as well documented as that at Harewood House – the most lavish commission Chippendale ever received.
“Of superlative quality, the tables and glasses are welcome additions to the V&A’s world-class collection of English furniture.
“We are delighted that they can remain in their original location to be seen and appreciated by visitors to Harewood House for years to come.”
V&A conservators will now restore the surface finish of the objects closer to Chippendale’s original intention.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here