453
THE ESTATES GAZETTE
March 18, 1899.
J. F. Oeben, and finished by Riesener in 1769.
In 1775, at, the ,ecessioii uf Louis XVI., royalty possessed an ample collection of commodes, secretaires and toilet boxes in the varnish of China, Japan and India, white, green, red and black. Screens, too, in the Chinese style were made at ׳the Gobelins. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish the furniture thus treated in France from the objects sent by the India Company to the East to be varnished ; but the lacquer upon bombé, or curved and swelling furniture, is doubtless of French manufacture, as the cabinet makers could not find Oriental panels adaptable to this curved style.
(To be continued.)
LEEDS—FROM A SURVEYORS POINT OF VIEW.
An interesting paper on this subject was read before the Leeds and Yorkshire Architectural Society, Incorporated, on March 5, by Mr. John Hepper, F.S.I.
He said that his experience led him to believe that it might be useful to his professional brethren, and of some interest to himself and others to prepare such a paper, avoiding the merely historical, and confining himself to such matters as combine to make, or affect, stability and value. Proceeding, Mr. Hepper said the area of Leeds was 21,572 statute acres, and its circumference was 31 miles, whilst its population, which increased at the rate of nearly two per cent, per annum, was now about 420,000, equivalent to about 19.47 persons per acre. To make accommodation for this growing population, and to replace houses constantly being pulled down for public improvements, on insanitary areas, and for commercial expansion, they required to build not less than 1,750 houses annually in ordinary times, but this rate had been increased for some time in consequence of the abnormal amount of destruction to be provided against.
The rateable value of the city was £1,522,092, and the rates levied by the Council for the year ending March 25, 1899, amounted together to 7s. 2d. in the £.
As to the advantages of its position, Leeds stood about midway between London and Edinburgh, and between the eastern and western seaboards, and is served by the main lines ol all the leading railway companies. It was connected with the sea on the east by the successful and enterprising Aire and Calder Navigation, and on the west by the Leeds and Liverpool canal, and, of course, with all the towns which they respectively touched. It was on the edge of the great Yorkshire coalfield; it had within its limits an immense supply of clay for making red bricks, as well as fire-clay; it had a limited amount of ironstone within the boundaries, and was endowed with many other advantages.
Thus, seated at the convergence of systems of road, rail and waterways of unsurpassed centrality, Leeds was found to be one of the most convenient distributing centres in the kingdom, with the result that those who required cheap fuel, cheap gas, abundance of water soft enough for boiler, dyeing, household or any other purpose, an intelligent■ artisan population capable of turning to any kind of manufacture, easy rents, building materials at the lowest rate, good and cheap provision markets, and most if not every other advantage to be desired in a great manufacturing and commercial district, would find that Leeds met their requirements, and that it owed these great recommendations largely to the peculiarly advantageous position it occupied, and of which its energetic and thrifty inhabitants had been making good use.
The city was almost entirely freehold, and so strong was the sentiment of the inhabitants in favour of freehold tenure that the little leasehold, copyhold and ground-rented property they had was always at a disadvantage when brought into the market, and building societies and mortgagees fought shy of it. The expansion of the city was not trammelled and hindered by great landlords who would only sell or lease on their own terms, but there was always sufficient land coming into the market to meet all reasonable demands, and the consequence was that prices were fairly uniform, and rents could be maintained on a tolerably even level in the different classes.
The markets, gas, electric lighting and waterworks, and the tramways were all the property of the city.
The large capital outlay of £5,702,775, and the rateable value of over one and a half millions formed a magnificent security for their net indebtedness of about five and a half millions, and, therefore, with this splendid proof of municipal stability, they might proceed with satisfied minds to the consideration of other matters conducive to the progress and prosperity of Leeds. That which did so much to ensure the stability of Leeds and its freedom from those sudden collapses of trade and employment to which some towns dependent upon one or two trades were liable, was the large number and variety of influential manufactures which it
David Roentgen׳, who is usually recognised by the simple name of David, but sometimes in this country by that of David of Luneville. It is in sycamore, tulip and walnut wood, inlaid with flowers and ribbons, and having chased mounts, by Duplessis. The figure groups on the table, No. 630, and the ornaments of the tables, Nos. 732-3, are also good examples of this artist. Roentgen, in place of burning little pieces of wood, to effect gradation in his inlays, let in pieces either in their natural colours or suitably tinted. Previously, they had been scorched in hot sand. This process may be studied in the two tables inlaid with Ænea-s carrying Anchises from Troy, one in the Serilly boudoiir, the other at the entrance to the Jones’ Gallery ; also in the large table, No. 1,076, with panels representing a man reading, and sailors rolling casks on a quay.
It is noticeable that the French art craftsmen fall into groups, who wrought together. Thus Gouthière carved mountings for Reisener and David ; while Ledoux, Boizot and Lebar-bier designed for Gouthière. Rivals of the last-named were Duplessis, Prieur and Thibouret. But another group was formed by the bronze carver®׳, Thomire and Forestier, who constantly Worked with G. Beneman, who became “ Fournisseur” to the Crown in 1784, and almost exclusively replaced Riesener after 1779, Bene-man’s best-known works are : —(1) The Commode à Attributs Guerriers, at Fontainebleau, a severe and majestic conception in satin and purple woods, ornamented by Thomire, with massive feet of lions’ claws, and a central trophy of arms and banners ; and (2) the famous commode with Sèvres placques.
No. 726 in the .Jones’ collection, the beautiful Escritoire à Toilette, which belonged to Marie Antoinette, is covered with superb mar-
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XXVIII.
ARTISTS OF THE LOUIS SEIZE PERIOD.
There ׳is in the Audience Chamber, one of the State Apartments at Windsor Castle, a piece of furniture which is valued at £33,000. This is known as the cabinet of the Comte d’Artois, for whom it was made by Gouthiére. This is said to be rivalled only by the cabinet made for the Empress Marie Louise by Jacob Desmalter.
It is a tall piece, i׳n light-coloured mahogany, some 8¿ft. in height׳, and 5ft. in width ; its value consists in the unapproachable gilt metal mountings. The folding doors have in this material a head of Apollo, with his lyre, birds and foliage. Below are •three drawers, supported by majestic caryatides. Above are the arms of France and Sardinia, supported by cupids on clouds, also in brass. The legs are shaped as quivers full of arrows ; the stand between them carries tall vases with cock’s-head handles, a design repeated in the tazzas surmounting the whole. Gouthiere charged immense prices for his work ; a rose which he gave to Marie Antoinette was valued at its actual weight ■in gold ; the Queen is said to have spent 4¿ million livres with him ; while he lost at the Revolution 756,000 livres, which the Countess du Barry owed ׳him. He charged 50,000 livres (£5,000) for a single pedestal.
Beside the metal work by Gouthiére in the Serilly Boudoir at South Kensington, there is also in the Jones’ Collection a table, No. 722, signed by Riesener, which has Gouthiére’s mounts. Riesener was as incomparable in his marquetry, usually a trellis inlay, as was
quetry, whose sweet tones recall the style of Claude-Charles Saunier. It is in tulip wood, inlaid with flowers and trophies in coloured woods, and mounted in ormolu. Saunier was made a master-ebeniste in 1752. In his earlier style he produced delightful marquetry, faintly showing the new classic influence, which, however, entirely permeated his later work.
Another clever artist, Nicholas Petit, who was Syndic in 1761, is represented in the Jones’ collection by a cabinet, No. 682, in ebony, with panels of gold lacquer upon a black ground. The principal panel is lacquered with a very fine vase of flowers. There are ornaments in ormolu sunk in the flutes of the corners, which are ornamented with rosettes. Very beautifully worked beads form the mounts for the borders.
Various artists, of whom little of a personal character is known, also figure in the Jones’ collection. Thus No. 1,052, the flat bureau or writing table, in rosewood, with marquetry of flowers and a rich border of chiselled bronze, is by Gelles Petit. The beautiful cabinet, No. 591, having on the front panels the crowned cypher of Louis XVI., surrounded by a border of pearls, and a gii'dle of ormolu, is by Charles Richter, who became a master-ebeniste in 1784. The choice little table, No. 627, the top a Sèvres placque, with date-mark 1759, representing birds, is by Gamier. The little secretaire, No. 635, is a work by Pierre Pion-niez, master-ebeniste in 1765. This is of king-wood, and has a porcelain placque, representing a bouquet tied with a riband of ormolu. It is in a sober taste, but has the peculiarity of curved legs, which are supported by four very small feet.
No. 726 recalls by its richness and beauty of detail parts of the bureau of king Stanislas, previously mentioned, which was commenced by
Gouthiere in his mountings. Other examples by Riesener are Nos. 663, 609, 710, 724, and the commode, No. 654. Riesener was born near Cologne in 1735, and during 20 years worked for Marie, Antoinette. For one of his commodes, made for Fontainebleau, he received £40,000 ; this is in his second manner, while his first style is best studied at the Louvre. One of his finest works is the bureau in the Wallace collection, which was made for Stani-las, King of Poland. His work is usually identifiable by the picture panel in the centre, and the trellis pattern environing it.
Riesener’s most prominent rival was Martin Carlin, who has several specimens in the J ones collection, as the music-stand, No. 728, with Sevres porcelain top, from the Trianon, and the round lunch table, No. 729, signed by himself and Pafrat. He made up new cabinets from the old lacquer panels of the Chinese cabinets given to Louis XIV. by the King of Siam. His work, though on the lines of Riesener, is characterised by more minuteness of design. No. 683a is a little ebony table with laequer panels (by hint-self) ; while No. 681 is a large table in ebony, with decorations in Chinese lacquer, and beautiful bronze leaves.
Another curious reversion to the past was the order given by Louis XVI. for the repetition of the famous set of cabinets by Boule, with figures of Religion and Wisdom, originally made for Louis XIV. This work was carried out by Montigny and Georges Jacob, the latter of whom was at the head of a dynasty of carvers which flourished for three-quarters of a century. He was one of the best decorative carvers of the ■time, though, perhaps, surpassed by Riesener and Roentgen.
The change to marquetry and the simplification of shape belonging to the period are well exemplified in the secretaire, No. 605, by
the Prince Alfred in Raglan-road, Plumstead, together with the reversion to possession in 16f years. Mr. Glover was of opinion that a premium of £3,000 from a brewer and an increased rental of £100 per year might eventually be obtained, and said the property was offered by order of the surviving executor of the late Captain Young. Bids commenced at £1,000, and were carried up to £2,560, when Mr. Glover declared the property sold. Mr. R. W. Scobell offered the Ludgate Restaurant at No. 16, Lud-gate-hill, which has been established for 50 years, and has wine and beer licenses. The underlease is held for a term of eight years at a rent of £400 rising to £475 per annum. Mr. Scobell said the premises were suitable for any business, and the purchaser was not bound to take the stock. From £500 there was a brisk competition, and this property was ultimately sold for £1,060.
Lewisham,
Mr. Whetherly (Messrs. Whetherly and Haslett) submitted the Clarendon, occupying a bold corner position in the Lewisham Highroad, and held for a term of 37 years at a rent of £100 if tied to Messrs. Whitbread, with part of the stabling let at £46 16s. a year. Mr. Whetherly said the late proprietor bought the house six months prior to his death, intending to stay there, and he spent a good deal of money in making it one of the most delightful of homes. The auctioneer also stated that he had known the premises for 25 years, and the same reputation and excellent trade had continued with it ; perhaps of later days the trade had been of a better class. There was a great want of a billiard saloon there. It was not within his province to give the takings, but the trade was so good that he was almost led to do so. “ It is a pleasure and privilege to offer to the trade such a fine property with an independent trade, exceptional profits, and excellent home,” added the auctioneer. The first offer was £12,000, and bids were advanced until £13,900 was reached, and the property sold. Mr. William Woods withdrew, at £5,450, the Swan Hotel, at Walton-on-Thames, between Sunbury Lock and Chertsey, described as one of the best hotels on the upper reaches of the Thames, where the people on the river could scarcely fail to call, whilst it was also a good roadside hostelry. Bids ranged between £4,500 and £5,400.
SALES OF
LICENSED PROPERTIES
AT
Masons’ Hall, London, E.C.
TUESDAY, MARCH 14.
FLEURET. SONS and ADAMS, 23, Southampton-row. East Dulwich. Oglander - road, Oglander
Tavern, u.t. 37 years, R. £140..........£11,400
WHETHERLY and HASLETT, 133a, Blackfriars-road. Lewisham High-road, the Clarendon p.h., u.t.
37 years, R. £100.......................£13,900
WYER, ADAMS and GLOVER, 27, Chiswell-street. Plumstead, Raglan-road. Prmee Alfred p.h.,
P.R. £45 p.a., with reversion in 16f years . £2,560 MR. R. W. 8COBELL. 25, Bucklersbury.
City. Ludgate Hill, No. 16. the Ludgate Restaurant, u t. 8 vi>׳>rs. R. £<00..........£1,060
FORTHCOMING SALES AT MASONS’ HALL, LONDON, E.C.
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, at One o’clock.
J. J. ORQILL, MARKS and ORGILL. 21, Hart-street, Horse and Groom, Gt. Portland-street, F.L.
Turk’s Head. Motcomb-street, F.L.
MR. W. ROLFE, 102, Gr*at Russell-street.
Cock Tavern, Love lane. F.L.
Crown and Anchor, 28, Farringdon-street, F.L. Masons’ Arms, Maddox-street, F.
TABERNACLE and SON. 15, Hart-street.
Old Gate House, New North-road, F.
WHETHERLV and HASLETT, 133a. Blackfriars-road. Nag’s Head. Whitechapel-road. F.
KiDg’s Head, Borough High-street, F.L.
JAM ES and SIDNEY MOTION, 58. Moorgate-street.
Laker’s Hotel, Redhill, Surrey, L.
RICHARD SMITH and CO.,83, Queen-street.
Coach and Horses, High street, Notting-hill-gatp,
MARCH 28.
WYER, ADAMS and GLOVER, 27, Chiswell-street.
Railway Tavern, Angel lsne, Stratford, L. FLEURET, SONS and ADAMS, 23, Southampton-row. Old King’s Head, 282, Euston-road, L.
Daisv, 33. Brompton-road, F.L.
Prince of Wales, North-street, Poplar, P.R.
Mr. W. RrLFE,102, Gt, Russell-street.
Bull’s Head, Old Town, Clapham, L.
WHETHERLY and HASLETT, 133a, Blackfriars-road.
Crown and Dolphin, Stepney High-ttreet, F. L.
J. J. HILL and WEAVER, 28, Theobald’s-road.
Freemasons' Arms, 43, Blyth-road, West Kensington-park, L.
Prince of Wales, London-street, Greenwich, F.
Earl Russell, Isledon-road. Finsbury-park. L. Marquis of Granby, 33, Castle-street-east, Oxford-street, L.
APRIL 11.
JAMES and SIDNEY MOTION, 58 Moorgate-street. North Pole Tavern, it. Quin tin’s park, Wormwcod Scrubbs.
APRIL 18.
FLEURET, SONS and ADAMS, 23. Southampton-row. Prince of Wales, Caro’ine-street, C..mden Town, F.L
The ESTATES GAZETTE can be obtained of our City Agents, Messrs. POTTLE and SONS Royal Exchange.