Our Autumn 2022 marketing image was created like a jewel box inspired by northern European interiors. The original design for the wall covering was hand-painted by Tabby Riley, a well-known scenic and decorative artist who has worked for theatres and interiors museums as well as commercial projects. Devised in conjunction with project stylist Katrin Cargill, they drew inspiration from traditional Dutch or delftware tiles and Flemish interior scenes painted by the likes of Vermeer.
Inside the jewel box space is the star of the show, a late 18th century Swedish double cupboard. This piece retains much of its original and profuse decoration of garlands and bouquets of flowers, and carries the date ANO. 1782. Known as a bonnet top, these cupboards were typically used to store food, crockery and cutlery in kitchens – in fact some come with a built-in spoon rack.
They were made at a time when most houses had precious little furnishing, so the pieces afforded were often lavished with attention, hence the wonderful painted finish. The date 1782 may commemorate a wedding or special occasion. You will find this piece offered for sale by Wakelin & Linfield on Stand B10.
Other exhibitors who lent pieces for this photo shoot include M. Charpentier on Stand B11 (the antique French yellow plate, and antique portrait painting), Patricia Harvey Antiques at Stand B3 (the golden wall sconce) and textile dealer Bleu Anglais at Stand A24 who supplied the rug.
Photo by John Englefield
