This cabinet was designed to display the remarkable central panel which is almost certainly the work of André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732). It was probably brought to England by Francis Fulke Greville (d.1773), the 8th Baron and 1st Earl of Warwick, and is first recorded at Warwick Castle in 1810. The cabinet has been attributed to the London firm of Mayhew & Ince who are known to have made pieces incorporating earlier marquetry,
André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732) is perhaps the greatest cabinet-maker of all time. Born in Paris, his skill came to the attention of the chief finance minister, Colbert, who recommended him to Louis XIV. Boulle was given royal protection and a workshop at the Louvre, which gave him exemption from the strict guild system which then regulated furniture production in France. This panel is a masterpiece of his early floral marquetry.
Purchased with the aid of the Victoria and Albert Museum Purchase Grant Fund, The National Art Collections Fund, the Pilgrim Trust, the Friends of the Bowes Museum and an anonymous donor.
- TitleMarquetry panel, c1690 mounted in an English cabinet, c1780
- Object number1979.63/FW
- Collection
- CreatorAndre-Charles (1642-1732) Boulle (Marquety panel), Mayhew & Ince (Cabinet)
- Production placeFrance, England
- Date1685 - 1695 1775 - 1785
- Production period17th & 18th centuries
- Object name
- Material
- Technique
- Dimensions