Beschreibung:

“Portobello” An impressive early Dolls House, English, 1700 – 1710, consisting of four high ceiling rooms fully furnished in late 18th and early 19th Century furniture and fittings. The Exterior: the painted buff house with impressive six panel wooden door with cast metal knocker, keyhole, Gibbs surrounded supporting a pediment, the flat roof with moulded cornice, nine casement windows, each with six panes painted black and moulded surrounds and keystones. There is a side entrance with keyhole. The house opens from the central penl and two side wings, to reveal four rooms, hallway and landing all with oak floors, staircase, banisters and walls. All doors with brass butterfly hinges, staircase and banister. Ground Floor – Kitchen: The fixed large chimney breast houses a rare, adjustable wrought steel kitchen grate with a high shelf for pans. Furnished with a large dresser two open kitchen cupboards one with shelf, and a table. The tin kitchen utensils include a painted toast rack, hastener, grater and kettle together with a stoneware pestle and mortar, brass cauldron, fire guard, copper warming pan and other utensils. Two dolls reside in the kitchen and the door leads into the hall. Ground Floor – Dining Room: The main feature in this room is a built in corner cabinet, the upper half glazed with brass butterfly hinges, displaying blue and white china. Other blue and white china includes a platter, two vases, bowls and cups. The oak fire surround has a cast-iron grate, brass guard and fire irons and a pair of bellows. A silver shaker and vase stand on a side table with cutlery drawer, a turned wood candle holder is displayed on a drop leaf dining table, six mahogany chairs all with tapestry cushions, and a Longcase clock, there is a rag rug to the floor. Two gilt framed mirrors hang on the walls together with miniature oil paintings and portraits. A door leads to the hall. Ground Floor – Hall: The stairs lead from the hall to the enclosed landing through a small arch. There is a storage cupboard beneath the staircase. First Floor – Bedroom: The room with some moulded skirting. The furniture includes a four poster bed with floral pattern drapes, inlaid linen cupboard with single shelf and brass keyhole covers to doors, three drawer chest. Other furniture includes a table and shaving mirror, crib on rockers, chair and footstool, bedroom clock, and dressing table accessories. A fine oil portrait and a framed saint’s relic hang on the walls. The door leads to the parlour. First Floor – Parlour: The room has some moulded skirting, a wooden fire surround and a fine enamel painted tinplate fireplace. The furnishings include a pedestal table, a desk with six drawers, a larger square table and two smaller tables, three wooden chairs, another two made from paper and velvet the armchair upholstered in red silk. Three oriental vases, a gilt mantle clock, candelabra, pewter bellows and letter rack, ‘silver’ cigar box and platter, dominoes and varied selection of bottles. From the walls hang four pictures and two mirrors and from the ceiling hangs an eight branch chandelier. A wax gentleman sits by the fireside with his cello. The room has two doors leading to landing and bedroom. Dimensions: Overall 48″h x 54″w x 20″d (122cms x 137cms x 51cms). Ground Floor: Hallway 24″ h x 11″ w x 21″ d (61cms x 28cms x 53cms), the others 24″ h x 22″ w x 21″ d (61cms x 56cms x 53cms). First Floor: Bedroom 21″ h x 24″ w x 20″ d (53cms x 61cms x 50cms), Parlour 21″ x 30″ x 19″ (53cms x 76cms x 49cms). Condition: Some skirting missing, minor damage to some contents. (1) Provenance ; From the Vivien Greene Collection. Purchased at Bonham’s Sale, December,1998. The proceeds from the sale of this lot are being distributed to various Children’s charities.