A pair of carved giltwood and composition pole screens, 18th Century.

The rectangular banners with woolwork pictures, one of a bunch of grapes and vine leaves, the other of a ribbon-tied bunch of honeysuckle and borage.

On leaf and cabochon-carved tripod bases with scrolled feet, 140cm.

These are possibly by Fell & Newton, the London firm which later became James Newton.

It supplied furniture and fittings to Brownlow, 9th Earl of Exeter (1725-1793) and in particular to his nephew Henry, 10th Earl and later 1st Marquess of Exeter (1754-1804).

The 1763 Burghley Inventory, which continued to be added to up to 1785, records: ‘Queen Elizabeth’s room … a bunch of grapes with its companion work’d by Miss. Gray.’

The 1804 Burghley Inventory: ‘No. 54, 3rd George room, 1 pr. carved & gilt pole fire screens.’

REFERENCE: FUR0481

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