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Exceptional Irish mahogany day bed by Mack Williams and Gibton Circa 1821.

Offered by: Trove Antiques & Design

Description
Exceptional Irish mahogany day bed by Mack Williams and Gibton Circa 1821. By repute, made for the State visit of George IV to Ireland in 1821.
Of French lit-en-bateau form, the frame carved with laurel leaves, Tudor rose paterae and lion masks, the bolt-covers carved with interlaced English roses, Scottish thistles, and Irish shamrocks.

Loughton House, Co. Offaly. The residence of Lord Bloomfield.
Lord Bloomfield was an Aide-de-Camp, then Chief Equerry and Clerk Marshal to the Prince of Wales and finally was Private Secretary to the King, Keeper of the Privy Purse, and Receiver of the Duchy of Cornwall from 1817 to 1822. One of the issues that Bloomfield had to contend with as Private Secretary was the King's extravagant spending. This led to Parliamentary discussions about possible reforms to the civil list.
That being said, Bloomfield would have expected a Royal visit at Loughton and so furnished "The King's Bedroom" in preparation. Other Irish houses also underwent alterations in expectation of a royal visit.

George IV's mistress from 1820-1830 was Lady Conyngham of Slane Castle Ireland. She held great influence over the King, gaining her and her family personal and financial benefits. After his coronation he spent 4 days at Slane with her. It is thought that due to Lord Bloomfields attempts to reign in the King's spending, she convinced the King to abandon his visit to Bloomfield and Loughton House. So, though the bed was made for the royal visit, George IV most likely did not sleep in it.

A family legend passed on from generation to generation does persist that the bed was moved from Slane Castle to Loughton House after the visit. However no written proof of this can be found at present.

More Information

Origin:	Ireland
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Mahogany, Upholstery
Condition:	Good. Good condition, wear consistent with age.
Creation Date:	1821
Styles / Movements:	George IV, Georgian, Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	T1991
Incollect Reference #:	397715

Dimensions

W.	69.5 in;	H.	51.5 in;	D.	100 in;
W.	176.53 cm;	H.	130.81 cm;	D.	254 cm;

Message from Seller:

Trevor has advised important private collectors and liaised with leading institutions in the United States, Europe, and Asia throughout his career. Trevor became a private advisor in 2015 to focus on acquisitions and collections management based on in-depth understanding of clients’ aesthetics. For private acquisitions and collections management advisory, please contact Trevor at info@trove-antiques.com or +1 646 489 3144. By Appt. We can accommodate viewing in New Jersey and New York.