A PAIR OF ORMOLU TABLE MIRRORS WITH CHERUBS, LATE 19TH CENTURY, each with an oval bevelled glass and gilded finish, surmounted by a bird amidst floral garlands. The mirrors are held by two winged cherubs standing on scrolled bases, with additional foliate detailing below. (2)
26 cm high approx.
Provenance:
From a collection of objects inherited by the Granddaughter of the late Sir Frances Whitmore, 1 st Baronet KCB CMG DSO TD JP (1872-1962) of Orsett Hall, Essex, with the majority of the objects coming from Apley Hall, the family's ancestral home in Shropshire, which was sold in 1867.
Sir Francis Whitmore was a distinguished military officer who eventually commanded the 10 th Royal Hussars, he was later made Lord Lieutenant of Essex between 1936 and 1958.
The Whitmore estate begins with Sir William Whitmore (1573-1648), a wealthy landowner, successful lawyer, and a member of both the Haberdashers' Company and of the Merchant Adventurers, sitting as MP for Bridgnorth in 1621, 1624, and 1625.
Lady Louisa Anna Whitmore the great-grandmother of Sir Frances Whitmore, was the daughter of Sir Charles Douglas 6 th Marquess of Queensbury, and Lady Caroline Montagu-Scott, the daughter of Henry Scott, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch, and Lady Elizabeth Montagu, the daughter of George 1 st Duke of Montagu.
The family is a direct descendent of the House of Stuarts through James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth the illegitimate son of Charles II.