Burghley

Arts and Learning - The Collections - Furniture

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One of a suite of 18th century English Mahogany commodes
One of a suite of 18th century English Mahogany commodes

The 5th Earl’s transformation of the interior of the house in the late 17th century must have caused the dispersal of a large collection of early oak furniture, of which no trace remains. To replace these pieces, the Earl collected stunning examples of European
craftsmanship such as the French floral marquetry cabinet, made by Pierre Gôle in Paris.

In the 18th century the family bought furniture from many of the important makers of the day. The principal suppliers were the London firms Mayhew & Ince and Fell & Newton. Many pieces that can be clearly identified from early inventories can be seen in the house today.

During preparations for the Royal visit of 1844, Brownlow, the 2nd Marquess, purchased quantities of fine furniture to further equip the state rooms of the house.
It was at this time that a large number of mahogany chairs, already in the house, were ’smartened up’ by the application of gold leaf to every possible surface!