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Benjamin Goodison (c. 1700-67)

Pedestal 1732-33

Pinewood, gesso, marble | 146.0 x 41.5 x 41.5 cm (whole object) | RCIN 1232

Communication Gallery, Hampton Court Palace

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  • A pair of carved giltwood stands in form of female terms. Square green marble tops rest on a capital, which in turn rests on the female's head. She is draped in a loose chemise, with a tapering column below that spouts, with husks and fish scales. On four scroll feet.

    This pair of stands, and another pair (RCIN 1231) are probably those described in Benjamin Goodison's Wardrobe Account as '4 Stands carved & gilt Term fashion'. All four together cost £42. The following entry in the accounts details '4 Girandoles to carry 4 Candles Each' at a cost of £17, which were probably intended to be placed on the top of each stand. These 'Girandoles' (or candelabra) have not been traced, although designs (by Kent) for candelabra were published by J. Vardy in Some Designs of Mr Inigo Jones & Mr William Kent, 1744 (pls. 18 & 24).

    Benjamin Goodison's role as cabinet-maker to the Great Wardrobe and to the Household of the Prince of Wales is neatly paralleled in architecture by William Kent. Although Kent's involvement at Hampton Court from 1731, as architect to the Board of Works meant that he oversaw the designs of both the interiors and the furniture, documentary evidence of a direct link between Kent and Goodison is lacking.

    Text adapted from The First Georgians; Art and Monarchy 1714 - 1760, London 2014
    Provenance

    Acquired by Frederick Prince of Wales in 1732-3. The original bill states the cost of this and the other pair supplied by Goodison (RCIN 1231) to have been £42.

  • Medium and techniques

    Pinewood, gesso, marble

    Measurements

    146.0 x 41.5 x 41.5 cm (whole object)


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