The Kimbolton Cabinet Secret Knowledge

As an antiques expert, when I look As an antiques expert, when I look

As an antiques expert, when I look As an antiques expert, when I look

at a piece of furniture I see a at a piece of furniture I see a

at a piece of furniture I see a at a piece of furniture I see a

person, a face, a body, a real person, a face, a body, a real

person, a face, a body, a real personality. And, like most people,

personality. And, like most people, personality. And, like most people,

personality. And, like most people, every one has a story to tell.

every one has a story to tell. every one has a story to tell.

Here, at the Victoria & Albert Here, at the Victoria & Albert

Here, at the Victoria & Albert Museum, amongst its vast and august

Museum, amongst its vast and august Museum, amongst its vast and august

collection, I've come to introduce collection, I've come to introduce

collection, I've come to introduce you to one particularly fine piece

you to one particularly fine piece you to one particularly fine piece

you to one particularly fine piece of furniture that speaks to me like

no other. no other.

no other. This is the Kimbolton Cabinet, one

This is the Kimbolton Cabinet, one This is the Kimbolton Cabinet, one

of the finest examples of 18th of the finest examples of 18th

of the finest examples of 18th Century English furniture in the

country. country.

country. Commissioned by the Duke and

Commissioned by the Duke and Commissioned by the Duke and

Duchess of Manchester in 1771, it Duchess of Manchester in 1771, it

brought together the finest brought together the finest

brought together the finest continental craftsmen with the very

continental craftsmen with the very But it's more than a beautiful

But it's more than a beautiful But it's more than a beautiful

object. It captures a tumultuous object. It captures a tumultuous

object. It captures a tumultuous object. It captures a tumultuous

time in British history at the cusp time in British history at the cusp

time in British history at the cusp of the Industrial Revolution. It

of the Industrial Revolution. It of the Industrial Revolution. It

of the Industrial Revolution. It can tell us about a world of

can tell us about a world of privilege and exquisite

privilege and exquisite privilege and exquisite

craftsmanship. But it may also craftsmanship. But it may also

craftsmanship. But it may also craftsmanship. But it may also

surprise you to know it can also surprise you to know it can also

surprise you to know it can also tell us about mass production, a

tell us about mass production, a tell us about mass production, a

revolution in design, even the revolution in design, even the

revolution in design, even the Now you may have noticed that the

Now you may have noticed that the Now you may have noticed that the

gallery, in fact the whole museum, gallery, in fact the whole museum,

gallery, in fact the whole museum, gallery, in fact the whole museum,

is now closed and I, well we, are is now closed and I, well we, are

is now closed and I, well we, are now alone. What a privilege.

now alone. What a privilege. now alone. What a privilege.

now alone. What a privilege. now alone. What a privilege.

When I look at her - and it has to When I look at her - and it has to

When I look at her - and it has to When I look at her - and it has to

When I look at her - and it has to be a lady - I look at her and I

be a lady - I look at her and I be a lady - I look at her and I

be a lady - I look at her and I think of those times, a long time

think of those times, a long time think of those times, a long time

ago, when you saw someone elegant ago, when you saw someone elegant

ago, when you saw someone elegant in an unguarded or embarrassing

in an unguarded or embarrassing in an unguarded or embarrassing

situation. My father purchased this situation. My father purchased this

situation. My father purchased this situation. My father purchased this

cabinet at auction in 1949. I was cabinet at auction in 1949. I was

cabinet at auction in 1949. I was only ten-years-old but I can

only ten-years-old but I can only ten-years-old but I can

only ten-years-old but I can remember helping to load her on to

remember helping to load her on to remember helping to load her on to

remember helping to load her on to the back of his truck, with her

the back of his truck, with her the back of his truck, with her

the back of his truck, with her legs in the air, and it amazes me,

legs in the air, and it amazes me, legs in the air, and it amazes me,

legs in the air, and it amazes me, and gratifies me, and it would my

and gratifies me, and it would my and gratifies me, and it would my

and gratifies me, and it would my father, to think that she is now,

father, to think that she is now, father, to think that she is now,

in pride of place, in this in pride of place, in this

in pride of place, in this wonderful collection. But she was

wonderful collection. But she was wonderful collection. But she was

wonderful collection. But she was not always built to go on public

not always built to go on public not always built to go on public

not always built to go on public display, in fact never at all. The

display, in fact never at all. The display, in fact never at all. The

whole idea of a cabinet, which whole idea of a cabinet, which

whole idea of a cabinet, which originated in Italy in the 16th

originated in Italy in the 16th originated in Italy in the 16th

originated in Italy in the 16th Century, was that it was meant to

Century, was that it was meant to Century, was that it was meant to

hold little secret things. These hold little secret things. These

hold little secret things. These should be drawers. In here,

should be drawers. In here, should be drawers. In here,

typically, there would be a typically, there would be a

typically, there would be a cupboard, inside of which a little

cupboard, inside of which a little cupboard, inside of which a little

room, miniature room, and it was room, miniature room, and it was

room, miniature room, and it was backed with mirrors and possibly a

backed with mirrors and possibly a backed with mirrors and possibly a

backed with mirrors and possibly a faux floor, tiled floor, and in the

faux floor, tiled floor, and in the faux floor, tiled floor, and in the

centre of that, either suspended or centre of that, either suspended or

centre of that, either suspended or centre of that, either suspended or

put on a little pedestal, would be put on a little pedestal, would be

put on a little pedestal, would be the master's, the owner's latest

the master's, the owner's latest the master's, the owner's latest

object in his collection of fine object in his collection of fine

object in his collection of fine things. And this he would show

things. And this he would show things. And this he would show

simply to his cabinet friends, his simply to his cabinet friends, his

simply to his cabinet friends, his closest friends, which is where we

closest friends, which is where we closest friends, which is where we

get "Cabinet" in Government today. get "Cabinet" in Government today.

get "Cabinet" in Government today. Now, this one has nothing, nothing

Now, this one has nothing, nothing Now, this one has nothing, nothing

at all. There's no cupboard, no at all. There's no cupboard, no

at all. There's no cupboard, no at all. There's no cupboard, no

drawers, all we have is a door at drawers, all we have is a door at

drawers, all we have is a door at each end and that's because the

each end and that's because the each end and that's because the

treasures that you see inside are treasures that you see inside are

And its sole purpose was to display And its sole purpose was to display

And its sole purpose was to display these 11 panels of inlaid marble

these 11 panels of inlaid marble these 11 panels of inlaid marble

called Pietra Dura. Each depicts an called Pietra Dura. Each depicts an

called Pietra Dura. Each depicts an Italian harbour, or lake scene.

Italian harbour, or lake scene. Italian harbour, or lake scene.

Italian harbour, or lake scene. Italian harbour, or lake scene.

There's a man with a hat and he has There's a man with a hat and he has

There's a man with a hat and he has There's a man with a hat and he has

a little bonnet on, and there's a a little bonnet on, and there's a

a little bonnet on, and there's a a little bonnet on, and there's a

a little bonnet on, and there's a man with a big wide hat and a net,

man with a big wide hat and a net, and they're fishing. Inlaying

and they're fishing. Inlaying and they're fishing. Inlaying

and they're fishing. Inlaying marble - and it's still done today

marble - and it's still done today marble - and it's still done today

marble - and it's still done today of course, it's a very fine craft -

of course, it's a very fine craft - of course, it's a very fine craft -

but normally there are different but normally there are different

but normally there are different coloured stones which just give an

coloured stones which just give an attractive picture, This man,

attractive picture, This man, attractive picture, This man,

Baccio Capelli, who made these the Baccio Capelli, who made these the

Baccio Capelli, who made these the Baccio Capelli, who made these the

best of the best, managed to cut best of the best, managed to cut

best of the best, managed to cut best of the best, managed to cut

the stone in such a way that the the stone in such a way that the

the stone in such a way that the striations in the marble gave shape

striations in the marble gave shape striations in the marble gave shape

striations in the marble gave shape and depth to the picture. Just look

and depth to the picture. Just look and depth to the picture. Just look

and depth to the picture. Just look here and you'll see what I mean.

here and you'll see what I mean. here and you'll see what I mean.

here and you'll see what I mean. You see this little round house, at

You see this little round house, at You see this little round house, at

You see this little round house, at the end of a wall, obviously it's a

the end of a wall, obviously it's a the end of a wall, obviously it's a

key port, the pigonia or something key port, the pigonia or something

key port, the pigonia or something like that, and it looks round

like that, and it looks round like that, and it looks round

because of the shading, but that's because of the shading, but that's

because of the shading, but that's not painted on, that's how he

not painted on, that's how he not painted on, that's how he

cleverly cut the marble using the cleverly cut the marble using the

cleverly cut the marble using the striation of pale and then darker

striation of pale and then darker striation of pale and then darker

striation of pale and then darker vein to create a round effect. And

vein to create a round effect. And vein to create a round effect. And

then little tiny segments in the then little tiny segments in the

then little tiny segments in the roof added to that, there were

roof added to that, there were roof added to that, there were

little pieces of pale marble, a little pieces of pale marble, a

little pieces of pale marble, a little pieces of pale marble, a

piece of darker marble. And if we piece of darker marble. And if we

piece of darker marble. And if we piece of darker marble. And if we

come down here to look, there a come down here to look, there a

come down here to look, there a come down here to look, there a

piece of lapis inset into a sky of piece of lapis inset into a sky of

piece of lapis inset into a sky of piece of lapis inset into a sky of

marble. See how he has cut it so marble. See how he has cut it so

marble. See how he has cut it so that the pale light looks almost

that the pale light looks almost that the pale light looks almost

that the pale light looks almost like sunset or dawn. But it's the

like sunset or dawn. But it's the like sunset or dawn. But it's the

like sunset or dawn. But it's the way he's cut it to make it look

way he's cut it to make it look way he's cut it to make it look

way he's cut it to make it look light at the lower part and then

light at the lower part and then light at the lower part and then

darkening blue sky up here. The darkening blue sky up here. The

darkening blue sky up here. The clouds look rounded. The sea you

clouds look rounded. The sea you clouds look rounded. The sea you

can see has little reflections of can see has little reflections of

can see has little reflections of can see has little reflections of

the land and the boats that's in the land and the boats that's in

the land and the boats that's in the marble - absolutely brilliant,

But you may wonder what such a But you may wonder what such a

cabinet, showcasing Italian marble cabinet, showcasing Italian marble

cabinet, showcasing Italian marble craftsmanship, was doing on British

craftsmanship, was doing on British shores. The Kimbolton Cabinet,

shores. The Kimbolton Cabinet, despite outward appearance, was

despite outward appearance, was actually made here.

actually made here. actually made here.

actually made here. It was commissioned in 1771 by one

It was commissioned in 1771 by one of the country's wealthiest

of the country's wealthiest of the country's wealthiest

families, the Duke and Duchess of families, the Duke and Duchess of

families, the Duke and Duchess of Manchester, for their grand country

Manchester, for their grand country Manchester, for their grand country

pile, Kimbolton Castle. A glamorous pile, Kimbolton Castle. A glamorous

pile, Kimbolton Castle. A glamorous addition to the Duchess's bed

addition to the Duchess's bed addition to the Duchess's bed

chamber. The Duke, a keen political chamber. The Duke, a keen political

chamber. The Duke, a keen political animal, took great interest in

animal, took great interest in animal, took great interest in

foreign affairs and was destined to foreign affairs and was destined to

foreign affairs and was destined to become British Ambassador to France.

become British Ambassador to France. become British Ambassador to France.

This painting is entitled The Grand This painting is entitled The Grand

This painting is entitled The Grand Tour Portrait and depicts his hand

Tour Portrait and depicts his hand Tour Portrait and depicts his hand

Tour Portrait and depicts his hand resting pointedly on a map of Italy

resting pointedly on a map of Italy resting pointedly on a map of Italy

where indeed the family would have where indeed the family would have

where indeed the family would have purchased the marble panels as

In the 18th Century no aristocratic In the 18th Century no aristocratic

education was complete without education was complete without

education was complete without education was complete without

embarking on the Grand tour to the embarking on the Grand tour to the

embarking on the Grand tour to the continent, much like our gap-years

continent, much like our gap-years continent, much like our gap-years

continent, much like our gap-years today but you actually had to learn

today but you actually had to learn today but you actually had to learn

today but you actually had to learn something! And this was a time when

something! And this was a time when archaeological excavations across

archaeological excavations across archaeological excavations across

Italy were uncovering fine examples Italy were uncovering fine examples

Italy were uncovering fine examples of architecture and domestic life

of architecture and domestic life of architecture and domestic life

from the ancient world. Such from the ancient world. Such

from the ancient world. Such discoveries gave birth to an

discoveries gave birth to an appetite for classically-inspired

appetite for classically-inspired design amongst the aristocracy,

design amongst the aristocracy, particularly in Britain, a

particularly in Britain, a particularly in Britain, a

fledgling Empire starting to see fledgling Empire starting to see

fledgling Empire starting to see itself as the natural successor to

This is classicism, this is how we This is classicism, this is how we

This is classicism, this is how we lived if we were really wealthy,

lived if we were really wealthy, lived if we were really wealthy,

surrounded not only by the objects surrounded not only by the objects

surrounded not only by the objects themselves, but also the influence

themselves, but also the influence on English construction and

on English construction and manufacture. Everything from grand

manufacture. Everything from grand manufacture. Everything from grand

bookcases to marble furniture, even bookcases to marble furniture, even

bookcases to marble furniture, even empire line dresses. Clean lines

empire line dresses. Clean lines empire line dresses. Clean lines

and elegant shapes were now the and elegant shapes were now the

and elegant shapes were now the order of the day replacing the

order of the day replacing the order of the day replacing the

opulence and excess of established tastes.

tastes. So neoclassicism replaced this.

So neoclassicism replaced this. So neoclassicism replaced this.

This is high-style Rococo. This is This is high-style Rococo. This is

This is high-style Rococo. This is 1745/1750. It's a basic shape on

1745/1750. It's a basic shape on 1745/1750. It's a basic shape on

1745/1750. It's a basic shape on which we just piled every type of

which we just piled every type of which we just piled every type of

decoration you can imagine. Rococo, decoration you can imagine. Rococo,

decoration you can imagine. Rococo, the word comes from Rocai meaning

the word comes from Rocai meaning Rocworthy, when inorganic matter

Rocworthy, when inorganic matter Rocworthy, when inorganic matter

was used as a decorative motif, was used as a decorative motif,

was used as a decorative motif, was used as a decorative motif,

great foliage, birds - a nod to great foliage, birds - a nod to

great foliage, birds - a nod to great foliage, birds - a nod to

China here with the HoHo birds. And China here with the HoHo birds. And

China here with the HoHo birds. And these sea scrolls are most typical

these sea scrolls are most typical these sea scrolls are most typical

little decorations. So this was little decorations. So this was

little decorations. So this was height of fashion in the

height of fashion in the height of fashion in the

1750s/1760s and by 1775 it had 1750s/1760s and by 1775 it had

disappeared. The Duchess of disappeared. The Duchess of

disappeared. The Duchess of Manchester's interest lay in art. A

Manchester's interest lay in art. A Manchester's interest lay in art. A

fine painter herself, in this fine painter herself, in this

fine painter herself, in this portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds she

portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds she portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds she

has chosen to be depicted in has chosen to be depicted in

has chosen to be depicted in classical dress as the Roman

classical dress as the Roman classical dress as the Roman

classical dress as the Roman goddess Diana and her son as cupid.

goddess Diana and her son as cupid. goddess Diana and her son as cupid.

It's no surprise to discover that It's no surprise to discover that

It's no surprise to discover that such a fashion conscious woman

such a fashion conscious woman such a fashion conscious woman

would seek out the most fashionable would seek out the most fashionable

would seek out the most fashionable designer for her cabinet. Robert

designer for her cabinet. Robert designer for her cabinet. Robert

designer for her cabinet. Robert Adam was in fact an architect by

Adam was in fact an architect by Adam was in fact an architect by

training, like his father before training, like his father before

training, like his father before training, like his father before

him, and he was fortunate enough to him, and he was fortunate enough to

him, and he was fortunate enough to him, and he was fortunate enough to

be sent to study on the continent be sent to study on the continent

be sent to study on the continent be sent to study on the continent

for five years. He was at the very for five years. He was at the very

for five years. He was at the very forefront of Neoclassicism as is

forefront of Neoclassicism as is forefront of Neoclassicism as is

forefront of Neoclassicism as is clear to see in his original plans

clear to see in his original plans clear to see in his original plans

for the cabinet. Indeed his for the cabinet. Indeed his

for the cabinet. Indeed his architectural background is hard to

architectural background is hard to architectural background is hard to

miss - the cabinet does resemble miss - the cabinet does resemble

miss - the cabinet does resemble the frontage of a rather grand

the frontage of a rather grand the frontage of a rather grand

house built to showcase Italian house built to showcase Italian

house built to showcase Italian Panels but constructed by the very

Panels but constructed by the very finest British Craftsmen.

finest British Craftsmen. finest British Craftsmen.

Now the men charged with bringing Now the men charged with bringing

Adam's ambitious classical design Adam's ambitious classical design

Adam's ambitious classical design Adam's ambitious classical design

to life were Ince and Mayhew. Or as to life were Ince and Mayhew. Or as

to life were Ince and Mayhew. Or as they should properly be referred to

they should properly be referred to they should properly be referred to

as Mayhew and Ince. They were as Mayhew and Ince. They were

as Mayhew and Ince. They were partners in a business based here

partners in a business based here partners in a business based here

partners in a business based here in Soho, London. So close were they

in Soho, London. So close were they in Soho, London. So close were they

that they lived in adjacent house that they lived in adjacent house

that they lived in adjacent house that they lived in adjacent house

and married a pair of sisters. Now and married a pair of sisters. Now

they were contemporary to they were contemporary to

Chippendale - now Thomas Chippendale - now Thomas

Chippendale - now Thomas Chippendale we've all heard of but

Chippendale we've all heard of but Chippendale we've all heard of but

this was a larger company entirely, this was a larger company entirely,

this was a larger company entirely, this was a larger company entirely,

and to give you an indication the and to give you an indication the

dictionary of English furniture dictionary of English furniture

dictionary of English furniture makers devotes six pages to Thomas

makers devotes six pages to Thomas makers devotes six pages to Thomas

Chippendale and 11 pages to Mayhew Let's get on to higher things and

Let's get on to higher things and Let's get on to higher things and

see the craftsmanship they put into see the craftsmanship they put into

see the craftsmanship they put into their inlay. All of these things

their inlay. All of these things their inlay. All of these things

are typical, high style classical are typical, high style classical

are typical, high style classical and then later regency designs.

and then later regency designs. and then later regency designs.

Look at this honeysuckle, you'll Look at this honeysuckle, you'll

Look at this honeysuckle, you'll Look at this honeysuckle, you'll

see that again and again and again, see that again and again and again,

see that again and again and again, after the 1770s right through until

after the 1770s right through until the 1820s. Wonderful designs,

the 1820s. Wonderful designs, the 1820s. Wonderful designs,

impactful when new, because these impactful when new, because these

impactful when new, because these would have been bright primary

would have been bright primary would have been bright primary

colours. The green is harewood colours. The green is harewood

colours. The green is harewood which is actually a sycamore dyed

which is actually a sycamore dyed which is actually a sycamore dyed

with oxide of iron. That goes with oxide of iron. That goes

with oxide of iron. That goes bright green. This is boxwood, the

bright green. This is boxwood, the bright green. This is boxwood, the

background I think might be background I think might be

background I think might be huyawood, it might be purple heart

huyawood, it might be purple heart huyawood, it might be purple heart

huyawood, it might be purple heart which would in fact mean this was a

which would in fact mean this was a which would in fact mean this was a

mauvey colour, with yellows, whites, mauvey colour, with yellows, whites,

mauvey colour, with yellows, whites, blacks and greens, and then etched.

blacks and greens, and then etched. blacks and greens, and then etched.

These are phenomenal. This is These are phenomenal. This is

These are phenomenal. This is satinwood. This would have been in

satinwood. This would have been in satinwood. This would have been in

bright yellow, again with green and bright yellow, again with green and

bright yellow, again with green and reds against it. These timbers have

reds against it. These timbers have reds against it. These timbers have

faded, of course the marble hasn't, faded, of course the marble hasn't,

faded, of course the marble hasn't, these would have been bright

these would have been bright colours, almost somewhat fighting

colours, almost somewhat fighting colours, almost somewhat fighting

against the muted tones of the against the muted tones of the

against the muted tones of the marble. This would have stood out,

marble. This would have stood out, marble. This would have stood out,

this would have knocked you, you this would have knocked you, you

this would have knocked you, you this would have knocked you, you

would have to wear dark glasses to would have to wear dark glasses to

would have to wear dark glasses to look at this. You can imagine

look at this. You can imagine look at this. You can imagine

people coming and saying, "Ah do people coming and saying, "Ah do

people coming and saying, "Ah do people coming and saying, "Ah do

come and see my latest bit of work come and see my latest bit of work

come and see my latest bit of work come and see my latest bit of work

come and see my latest bit of work by Mr Adams - have a look at this."

by Mr Adams - have a look at this." by Mr Adams - have a look at this."

by Mr Adams - have a look at this." Wow, what a knock out, look at this,

Wow, what a knock out, look at this, Wow, what a knock out, look at this,

Wow, what a knock out, look at this, look at the gilding, look at the

look at the gilding, look at the look at the gilding, look at the

sparkle coming out of those and sparkle coming out of those and

sparkle coming out of those and imagine that not only by daylight

imagine that not only by daylight imagine that not only by daylight

but candlelight, a hundred candles but candlelight, a hundred candles

but candlelight, a hundred candles in a chandelier sparkling on that.

in a chandelier sparkling on that. Wonderful, unbelievable, nobody had

Wonderful, unbelievable, nobody had Wonderful, unbelievable, nobody had

While the woodwork is indeed fine, While the woodwork is indeed fine,

While the woodwork is indeed fine, While the woodwork is indeed fine,

it is the metal mounts that are the it is the metal mounts that are the

it is the metal mounts that are the real achievement. They were the

real achievement. They were the real achievement. They were the

work of Matthew Boulton, while he work of Matthew Boulton, while he

work of Matthew Boulton, while he was in partnership with James

was in partnership with James was in partnership with James

Fothergill in his workshops in Fothergill in his workshops in

Fothergill in his workshops in Birmingham, and in fact cost more

Birmingham, and in fact cost more Birmingham, and in fact cost more

Birmingham, and in fact cost more than the rest of the cabinet put

than the rest of the cabinet put together. Boulton charged �73.11s

together. Boulton charged �73.11s together. Boulton charged �73.11s

together. Boulton charged �73.11s for the mounts which was more than

for the mounts which was more than for the mounts which was more than

the �72 that Chippendale charged the �72 that Chippendale charged

the �72 that Chippendale charged for the complete Library Table at

for the complete Library Table at for the complete Library Table at

Nostell Priory. Now let's have a Nostell Priory. Now let's have a

Nostell Priory. Now let's have a Nostell Priory. Now let's have a

look at what they are and why they look at what they are and why they

look at what they are and why they look at what they are and why they

cost so much money. These are not cost so much money. These are not

cost so much money. These are not just gilt metal mounts ie, gilded

just gilt metal mounts ie, gilded just gilt metal mounts ie, gilded

brass, these are gilded bronze and brass, these are gilded bronze and

brass, these are gilded bronze and they are mercurially gilded and

they are mercurially gilded and they are mercurially gilded and

they are fired to produce this they are fired to produce this

extraordinary mirror effect when extraordinary mirror effect when

extraordinary mirror effect when burnished, but you'll notice that

burnished, but you'll notice that burnished, but you'll notice that

parts of them are matte. These parts of them are matte. These

acanthus leaves, formalised acanthus leaves, formalised

acanthus leaves, are actually acanthus leaves, are actually

acanthus leaves, are actually acanthus leaves, are actually

traced by hand with a pointer and traced by hand with a pointer and

traced by hand with a pointer and traced by hand with a pointer and

they are then fired with a gold, they are then fired with a gold,

they are then fired with a gold, and you mix gold and mercury

and you mix gold and mercury and you mix gold and mercury

together, and the mercury when together, and the mercury when

together, and the mercury when heated evaporates leaving the gold

heated evaporates leaving the gold heated evaporates leaving the gold

firmly affixed to the surface. Then firmly affixed to the surface. Then

firmly affixed to the surface. Then they are burnished, the inside bits

they are burnished, the inside bits they are burnished, the inside bits

are burnished, the outside is left are burnished, the outside is left

are burnished, the outside is left flat and matte. But Matthew Boulton

flat and matte. But Matthew Boulton flat and matte. But Matthew Boulton

was far more than a master was far more than a master

Matthew Boulton was in fact one of Matthew Boulton was in fact one of

Matthew Boulton was in fact one of the great industrial innovators of

the great industrial innovators of the great industrial innovators of

the 18th Century. He formed the 18th Century. He formed

the 18th Century. He formed partnerships with people such as

partnerships with people such as partnerships with people such as

James Fothergill to produce the James Fothergill to produce the

James Fothergill to produce the most luxurious and beautiful gilt

most luxurious and beautiful gilt most luxurious and beautiful gilt

most luxurious and beautiful gilt metal mounts that we've seen on the

metal mounts that we've seen on the metal mounts that we've seen on the

Kimbolton cabinet. But also he Kimbolton cabinet. But also he

Kimbolton cabinet. But also he joined forces with James Watt who

joined forces with James Watt who joined forces with James Watt who

had just produced the most had just produced the most

had just produced the most efficient steam engine anyone had

efficient steam engine anyone had efficient steam engine anyone had

ever seen, and those two together ever seen, and those two together

ever seen, and those two together created a huge mass production

created a huge mass production created a huge mass production

business, which was the beginning business, which was the beginning

business, which was the beginning of the Industrial Revolution and so

of the Industrial Revolution and so of the Industrial Revolution and so

important was he that he actually important was he that he actually

important was he that he actually important was he that he actually

has his portrait now on the back of has his portrait now on the back of

But he was most famous for But he was most famous for

But he was most famous for Sheffield plated wares. That gets

Sheffield plated wares. That gets Sheffield plated wares. That gets

Sheffield plated wares. That gets its name from its place of origin.

its name from its place of origin. its name from its place of origin.

A cutler developed a system of A cutler developed a system of

A cutler developed a system of applying sheets of copper and

applying sheets of copper and silver together thus reducing

silver together thus reducing silver together thus reducing

silver together thus reducing material cost. It was a fluke. The

material cost. It was a fluke. The material cost. It was a fluke. The

material cost. It was a fluke. The story goes he was mending a knife

story goes he was mending a knife story goes he was mending a knife

and found that silver and copper and found that silver and copper

and found that silver and copper when heat just heal together to

when heat just heal together to when heat just heal together to

make one material. And so middling make one material. And so middling

make one material. And so middling people as they were called, people

people as they were called, people people as they were called, people

of ordinary means, could afford to of ordinary means, could afford to

of ordinary means, could afford to of ordinary means, could afford to

buy what looked like a luxury style buy what looked like a luxury style

buy what looked like a luxury style buy what looked like a luxury style

item and here you can see a item and here you can see a

item and here you can see a wonderful great big terrine, teapot,

wonderful great big terrine, teapot, wonderful great big terrine, teapot,

cream jug, and the candelabra, all cream jug, and the candelabra, all

cream jug, and the candelabra, all produced in the grandest form with

produced in the grandest form with produced in the grandest form with

not the grandest of materials. That not the grandest of materials. That

not the grandest of materials. That would not have been possible some

would not have been possible some would not have been possible some

years before. The ornate curves of years before. The ornate curves of

years before. The ornate curves of the Rococo period could never be

the Rococo period could never be the Rococo period could never be

reproduced other than by hand. reproduced other than by hand.

reproduced other than by hand. reproduced other than by hand.

However, that was not the case with However, that was not the case with

neoclassicism. This style neoclassicism. This style

neoclassicism. This style celebrated the old while lending

celebrated the old while lending celebrated the old while lending

celebrated the old while lending itself more easily to the tools of

itself more easily to the tools of itself more easily to the tools of

mass production. Let me show you mass production. Let me show you

mass production. Let me show you the first three-quarters of the

the first three-quarters of the the first three-quarters of the

18th Century. Most domestic items 18th Century. Most domestic items

18th Century. Most domestic items 18th Century. Most domestic items

were of a baluster shape, like so. were of a baluster shape, like so.

were of a baluster shape, like so. We didn't know what the ancients

We didn't know what the ancients We didn't know what the ancients

furnished their houses with. Until furnished their houses with. Until

furnished their houses with. Until furnished their houses with. Until

we started to excavate, we had no we started to excavate, we had no

we started to excavate, we had no idea how they furnished their

idea how they furnished their idea how they furnished their

idea how they furnished their domestic items. So if we take that

domestic items. So if we take that domestic items. So if we take that

domestic items. So if we take that baluster shape, put a handle on it,

baluster shape, put a handle on it, baluster shape, put a handle on it,

baluster shape, put a handle on it, baluster shape, put a handle on it,

a lid on it, you have a tankard. A a lid on it, you have a tankard. A

a lid on it, you have a tankard. A a lid on it, you have a tankard. A

spout on it, you have a pot. That spout on it, you have a pot. That

spout on it, you have a pot. That spout on it, you have a pot. That

was the basis on which we could ply was the basis on which we could ply

was the basis on which we could ply all sorts of Rococo and exotic

all sorts of Rococo and exotic all sorts of Rococo and exotic

decoration in gother style. That decoration in gother style. That

decoration in gother style. That was expensive to make. It applied

was expensive to make. It applied was expensive to make. It applied

itself also to furniture and in itself also to furniture and in

itself also to furniture and in itself also to furniture and in

silver, too. We put a back on it, silver, too. We put a back on it,

silver, too. We put a back on it, silver, too. We put a back on it,

like so. We put some seat rail on like so. We put some seat rail on

like so. We put some seat rail on like so. We put some seat rail on

it and some legs. You have an 18th it and some legs. You have an 18th

it and some legs. You have an 18th Century chair until the 1760s. Now

Century chair until the 1760s. Now Century chair until the 1760s. Now

what happened was after the what happened was after the

what happened was after the excavations, we changed, we cut not

excavations, we changed, we cut not excavations, we changed, we cut not

only material costs, but shape only material costs, but shape

only material costs, but shape costs. The latest shape to come

costs. The latest shape to come costs. The latest shape to come

from our excavations was a simple from our excavations was a simple

vase shape which permeated vase shape which permeated

vase shape which permeated everything exactly the same way.

everything exactly the same way. everything exactly the same way.

everything exactly the same way. everything exactly the same way.

You put a handle on it, a spout on You put a handle on it, a spout on

You put a handle on it, a spout on You put a handle on it, a spout on

it, another sort of spout on it, a it, another sort of spout on it, a

it, another sort of spout on it, a it, another sort of spout on it, a

lid on it, and you have post-1770, lid on it, and you have post-1770,

lid on it, and you have post-1770, lid on it, and you have post-1770,

that is it. There they are. There's that is it. There they are. There's

wood, there's silver, pottery, wood, there's silver, pottery,

wood, there's silver, pottery, glass. The basic shape is

glass. The basic shape is Finally, from the exclusive

Finally, from the exclusive Finally, from the exclusive

Kimbolton Cabinet, to the humblest Kimbolton Cabinet, to the humblest

Kimbolton Cabinet, to the humblest pot, everyone could share in the

pot, everyone could share in the pot, everyone could share in the

pot, everyone could share in the fashion of the day. In many ways,

fashion of the day. In many ways, fashion of the day. In many ways,

fashion of the day. In many ways, this was one of the first examples

this was one of the first examples this was one of the first examples

of popular culture. On a personal of popular culture. On a personal

of popular culture. On a personal of popular culture. On a personal

note, I think it's a time when we note, I think it's a time when we

note, I think it's a time when we lost a lot of the individuality

lost a lot of the individuality lost a lot of the individuality

which was created in the first which was created in the first

which was created in the first three-quarters of the 18th Century,

three-quarters of the 18th Century, three-quarters of the 18th Century,

when machinery took over, and it's when machinery took over, and it's

when machinery took over, and it's very difficult thereafter to tell

very difficult thereafter to tell very difficult thereafter to tell

the quality of something simply by the quality of something simply by

the quality of something simply by the quality of something simply by

looking at it from a distance. And looking at it from a distance. And

looking at it from a distance. And looking at it from a distance. And

of course on the other hand, it's of course on the other hand, it's

of course on the other hand, it's rather good because you need

rather good because you need rather good because you need

someone like me to help you. someone like me to help you.

someone like me to help you. someone like me to help you.

I love to visit this cabinet as I love to visit this cabinet as

I love to visit this cabinet as I love to visit this cabinet as

often as I'm in London. But not often as I'm in London. But not

often as I'm in London. But not often as I'm in London. But not

just because of what she can tell just because of what she can tell

just because of what she can tell us about the distant past. It's

us about the distant past. It's us about the distant past. It's

us about the distant past. It's time I told you about my role in

time I told you about my role in time I told you about my role in

the story. The Cabinet remained in the story. The Cabinet remained in

the story. The Cabinet remained in Kimbolton Castle for over 170 years

Kimbolton Castle for over 170 years Kimbolton Castle for over 170 years

Kimbolton Castle for over 170 years until 1949. Well, in common with so

until 1949. Well, in common with so until 1949. Well, in common with so

until 1949. Well, in common with so many of those great families in the

many of those great families in the many of those great families in the

18th Century, it became dissipated 18th Century, it became dissipated

18th Century, it became dissipated 18th Century, it became dissipated

over the years and by the 1940s over the years and by the 1940s

over the years and by the 1940s over the years and by the 1940s

this has happened to the Dukes of this has happened to the Dukes of

this has happened to the Dukes of Manchester family. The tenth Duke

Manchester family. The tenth Duke Manchester family. The tenth Duke

Manchester family. The tenth Duke inherited in 1947, but by 1949, he

inherited in 1947, but by 1949, he inherited in 1947, but by 1949, he

inherited in 1947, but by 1949, he found there was no money left. So

found there was no money left. So found there was no money left. So

found there was no money left. So the house had to be sold, the

the house had to be sold, the the house had to be sold, the

the house had to be sold, the grounds and all the contents and a

grounds and all the contents and a grounds and all the contents and a

vast auction was held. My father vast auction was held. My father

vast auction was held. My father vast auction was held. My father

went along to view the sale and he went along to view the sale and he

went along to view the sale and he went along to view the sale and he

went along to view the sale and he took me with him and I was just ten.

took me with him and I was just ten. took me with him and I was just ten.

took me with him and I was just ten. I'm very fortunate, I had a most

I'm very fortunate, I had a most marvellous relationship with my

marvellous relationship with my marvellous relationship with my

father. We were together for 40 father. We were together for 40

father. We were together for 40 years as friends, partners and

years as friends, partners and years as friends, partners and

father and son. Mostly as friends father and son. Mostly as friends

father and son. Mostly as friends father and son. Mostly as friends

and partners. There he was, he was and partners. There he was, he was

and partners. There he was, he was and partners. There he was, he was

in the Signals for a while, then he in the Signals for a while, then he

in the Signals for a while, then he in the Signals for a while, then he

went up to the North Sea and there went up to the North Sea and there

went up to the North Sea and there went up to the North Sea and there

we are together, that is one of my we are together, that is one of my

we are together, that is one of my favourite shots. My father was an

favourite shots. My father was an favourite shots. My father was an

antiques dealer before the war. In antiques dealer before the war. In

antiques dealer before the war. In fact, we were well established by

fact, we were well established by fact, we were well established by

then because my grandfather had then because my grandfather had

then because my grandfather had started in Tring High Street in

started in Tring High Street in started in Tring High Street in

started in Tring High Street in 1871. So my father took an academic

1871. So my father took an academic 1871. So my father took an academic

interest in English furniture. I interest in English furniture. I

interest in English furniture. I interest in English furniture. I

have a photograph. Here he is, he have a photograph. Here he is, he

have a photograph. Here he is, he have a photograph. Here he is, he

is pointing out the benefits or the is pointing out the benefits or the

is pointing out the benefits or the is pointing out the benefits or the

good or bad points of a Chippendale good or bad points of a Chippendale

good or bad points of a Chippendale chair. He is talking to two

chair. He is talking to two chair. He is talking to two

colleagues who were quite attentive colleagues who were quite attentive

colleagues who were quite attentive colleagues who were quite attentive

and the point is that he had a and the point is that he had a

and the point is that he had a and the point is that he had a

following. He would view a sale and following. He would view a sale and

following. He would view a sale and people would follow him around and

people would follow him around and people would follow him around and

people would follow him around and listen to his words of wisdom. This

listen to his words of wisdom. This listen to his words of wisdom. This

is rather funny. This curious group is rather funny. This curious group

is rather funny. This curious group of people are several of my

of people are several of my of people are several of my

relatives. That is my grandfather. relatives. That is my grandfather.

relatives. That is my grandfather. relatives. That is my grandfather.

He was a dealer. That is Johnston He was a dealer. That is Johnston

He was a dealer. That is Johnston Bly. There is another dealer there,

Bly. There is another dealer there, Bly. There is another dealer there,

Bly. There is another dealer there, he is called Bumper Bly. We were a

he is called Bumper Bly. We were a he is called Bumper Bly. We were a

he is called Bumper Bly. We were a bit of a mixture. We have been

bit of a mixture. We have been bit of a mixture. We have been

bit of a mixture. We have been around quite a long time. And here

around quite a long time. And here around quite a long time. And here

is the catalogue from the sale. is the catalogue from the sale.

is the catalogue from the sale. Kimbolton Castle, Monday 18th July,

Kimbolton Castle, Monday 18th July, Kimbolton Castle, Monday 18th July,

1949, interesting - Knight, Frank 1949, interesting - Knight, Frank

and Rutley. Christie's and and Rutley. Christie's and

and Rutley. Christie's and Sotheby's were the top. Christie's

Sotheby's were the top. Christie's Sotheby's were the top. Christie's

Sotheby's were the top. Christie's had been down and taken to London

had been down and taken to London had been down and taken to London

the best things out of this the best things out of this

the best things out of this collection and left the residue for

collection and left the residue for collection and left the residue for

collection and left the residue for Knight Frank to sale. Lot 314 says

Knight Frank to sale. Lot 314 says Knight Frank to sale. Lot 314 says

- antique Italian satinwood and - antique Italian satinwood and

rosewood cabinet. Not only rosewood cabinet. Not only

rosewood cabinet. Not only Christie's missed it, it had not

Christie's missed it, it had not Christie's missed it, it had not

been catalogued properly. It had been catalogued properly. It had

been catalogued properly. It had been catalogued properly. It had

some Italian panels in it. It was some Italian panels in it. It was

some Italian panels in it. It was some Italian panels in it. It was

English. My father and I went down English. My father and I went down

English. My father and I went down English. My father and I went down

into the gloom of the cellar, and into the gloom of the cellar, and

into the gloom of the cellar, and there was this sparkling thing. Why

there was this sparkling thing. Why there was this sparkling thing. Why

there was this sparkling thing. Why was it down in the cellar? Why

was it down in the cellar? Why was it down in the cellar? Why

wasn't it upstairs? It wasn't. My wasn't it upstairs? It wasn't. My

wasn't it upstairs? It wasn't. My father recognised it. He knew what

father recognised it. He knew what father recognised it. He knew what

it was. Something registered. And it was. Something registered. And

it was. Something registered. And it was. Something registered. And

it was. Something registered. And so when he got home he went to the

so when he got home he went to the so when he got home he went to the

dictionary of English furniture and dictionary of English furniture and

under "cabinets" the Kimbolton under "cabinets" the Kimbolton

under "cabinets" the Kimbolton Cabinet. Full-colour. There is not

Cabinet. Full-colour. There is not Cabinet. Full-colour. There is not

Cabinet. Full-colour. There is not another one in the world that looks

another one in the world that looks another one in the world that looks

like that. Furthermore, it says, like that. Furthermore, it says,

like that. Furthermore, it says, "Plate six shows an English

"Plate six shows an English "Plate six shows an English

adaptation of the Roman style adaptation of the Roman style

adaptation of the Roman style designed by Robert Adam for the

designed by Robert Adam for the designed by Robert Adam for the

Duchess of Manchester." What could Duchess of Manchester." What could

Duchess of Manchester." What could Duchess of Manchester." What could

be plainer than that? There is the be plainer than that? There is the

evidence. Christie's missed it. evidence. Christie's missed it.

evidence. Christie's missed it. Knight Frank missed it, but my

Knight Frank missed it, but my Knight Frank missed it, but my

He borrowed �500 from the bank, He borrowed �500 from the bank,

He borrowed �500 from the bank, He borrowed �500 from the bank,

which was a huge amount of money. which was a huge amount of money.

which was a huge amount of money. In Buckinghamshire, you could buy

In Buckinghamshire, you could buy In Buckinghamshire, you could buy

five thatched cottages for that. He five thatched cottages for that. He

five thatched cottages for that. He five thatched cottages for that. He

borrowed the money and he went to borrowed the money and he went to

borrowed the money and he went to borrowed the money and he went to

the sale and he was determined to the sale and he was determined to

the sale and he was determined to the sale and he was determined to

buy it and he bought it for �470. buy it and he bought it for �470.

buy it and he bought it for �470. buy it and he bought it for �470.

That's when I helped him load it up That's when I helped him load it up

That's when I helped him load it up That's when I helped him load it up

into the back of the lorry. There's into the back of the lorry. There's

into the back of the lorry. There's into the back of the lorry. There's

my father and the Cabinet, and my my father and the Cabinet, and my

my father and the Cabinet, and my mother and the bank manager, and

mother and the bank manager, and mother and the bank manager, and

everybody's worried - except the everybody's worried - except the

everybody's worried - except the Cabinet - because it's unsaleable.

Cabinet - because it's unsaleable. Cabinet - because it's unsaleable.

Cabinet - because it's unsaleable. He's right, he's bought one of the

He's right, he's bought one of the He's right, he's bought one of the

most important pieces of furniture most important pieces of furniture

most important pieces of furniture he could possibly find and it's

he could possibly find and it's he could possibly find and it's

unsaleable. Now, the only place to unsaleable. Now, the only place to

unsaleable. Now, the only place to unsaleable. Now, the only place to

go with something like that is to a go with something like that is to a

go with something like that is to a go with something like that is to a

museum. So naturally he went to the museum. So naturally he went to the

museum. So naturally he went to the Victoria & Albert Museum, only to

Victoria & Albert Museum, only to Victoria & Albert Museum, only to

find that they were the find that they were the

find that they were the underbidders. Ah! He's bought it

underbidders. Ah! He's bought it underbidders. Ah! He's bought it

underbidders. Ah! He's bought it against on top of the V and! Now

against on top of the V and! Now against on top of the V and! Now

against on top of the V and! Now against on top of the V and! Now

who is going to -- the V&A! Now who who is going to -- the V&A! Now who

who is going to -- the V&A! Now who who is going to -- the V&A! Now who

is he going to sell it to? He's is he going to sell it to? He's

is he going to sell it to? He's stuck with it! Eventually, the VA

stuck with it! Eventually, the VA stuck with it! Eventually, the VA

stuck with it! Eventually, the VA and -- the V&A bought it. I'm

and -- the V&A bought it. I'm and -- the V&A bought it. I'm

privileged here to show you the privileged here to show you the

original purchase order. Objects original purchase order. Objects

original purchase order. Objects are bidded on approval, purchase

are bidded on approval, purchase are bidded on approval, purchase

are bidded on approval, purchase John Bly. They told him it was no

John Bly. They told him it was no John Bly. They told him it was no

John Bly. They told him it was no good asking a lot of money. But

good asking a lot of money. But good asking a lot of money. But

good asking a lot of money. But they paid him �685. That's a pretty

they paid him �685. That's a pretty they paid him �685. That's a pretty

good profit in those days. Just good profit in those days. Just

good profit in those days. Just good profit in those days. Just

over �200. Not bad for an empty over �200. Not bad for an empty

over �200. Not bad for an empty over �200. Not bad for an empty

cabinet. Well, I said it was empty, cabinet. Well, I said it was empty,

cabinet. Well, I said it was empty, cabinet. Well, I said it was empty,

but it wasn't empty. I have a but it wasn't empty. I have a

but it wasn't empty. I have a but it wasn't empty. I have a

secret. I'm ten years old and I secret. I'm ten years old and I

secret. I'm ten years old and I secret. I'm ten years old and I

found this inside it. And I took it found this inside it. And I took it

found this inside it. And I took it found this inside it. And I took it

and hid it away and after we had and hid it away and after we had

and hid it away and after we had and hid it away and after we had

sold the Cabinet I showed my father sold the Cabinet I showed my father

sold the Cabinet I showed my father and said, "I have saved this."

and said, "I have saved this." and said, "I have saved this."

and said, "I have saved this." There was a nice smile between us.

There was a nice smile between us. There was a nice smile between us.

There was a nice smile between us. I kept that over my desk ever since.

I kept that over my desk ever since. I kept that over my desk ever since.

I kept that over my desk ever since. Now, 60 years later, I have been

Now, 60 years later, I have been Now, 60 years later, I have been

permitted a second peek inside permitted a second peek inside

permitted a second peek inside under the strict supervision of

under the strict supervision of under the strict supervision of

under the strict supervision of Kate Hay. The last time I looked in

Kate Hay. The last time I looked in Kate Hay. The last time I looked in

Kate Hay. The last time I looked in it wasn't empty. This is where the

it wasn't empty. This is where the it wasn't empty. This is where the

carving was. Well, it's exactly the carving was. Well, it's exactly the

carving was. Well, it's exactly the carving was. Well, it's exactly the

same. It is empty, but it is same. It is empty, but it is

same. It is empty, but it is phenomenal quality. I just remember

phenomenal quality. I just remember phenomenal quality. I just remember

at that age my father saying, at that age my father saying,

at that age my father saying, "Inside of the piece of furniture

"Inside of the piece of furniture "Inside of the piece of furniture

"Inside of the piece of furniture is as important as the outside." It

is as important as the outside." It is as important as the outside." It

is wonderful. If you look inside, is wonderful. If you look inside,

is wonderful. If you look inside, you can see the nuts-and-bolts.

you can see the nuts-and-bolts. you can see the nuts-and-bolts.

yes! I don't remember seeing those yes! I don't remember seeing those

yes! I don't remember seeing those yes! I don't remember seeing those

at all. Now, we know what the at all. Now, we know what the

at all. Now, we know what the at all. Now, we know what the

museum paid for it in 1949. I museum paid for it in 1949. I

museum paid for it in 1949. I museum paid for it in 1949. I

wonder what it is worth today. I wonder what it is worth today. I

wonder what it is worth today. I wonder what it is worth today. I

know you are not allowed to give know you are not allowed to give

know you are not allowed to give valuations, but what do you think?

valuations, but what do you think? valuations, but what do you think?

The museum does not give valuations. The museum does not give valuations.

The museum does not give valuations. The museum does not give valuations.

To us, it is priceless. As part of To us, it is priceless. As part of

To us, it is priceless. As part of the national collection, it will

the national collection, it will the national collection, it will

the national collection, it will never be sold. My father would be

never be sold. My father would be never be sold. My father would be

never be sold. My father would be very pleased. Gosh. It was such a

very pleased. Gosh. It was such a very pleased. Gosh. It was such a

very pleased. Gosh. It was such a long time ago. You better close the

long time ago. You better close the long time ago. You better close the

long time ago. You better close the door before I get tearful! So you

door before I get tearful! So you door before I get tearful! So you

could see what still remains an could see what still remains an

could see what still remains an could see what still remains an

empty cabinet is full to the brim, empty cabinet is full to the brim,

empty cabinet is full to the brim, empty cabinet is full to the brim,

providing a window on a world of providing a window on a world of

industrialists and ordinary people. industrialists and ordinary people.

industrialists and ordinary people. This exclusive piece of furniture,

This exclusive piece of furniture, This exclusive piece of furniture,

which once graced Her Grace's bed which once graced Her Grace's bed

which once graced Her Grace's bed chamber, is in fact symbolising the

chamber, is in fact symbolising the chamber, is in fact symbolising the

chamber, is in fact symbolising the last-gasp of an era that has been

last-gasp of an era that has been last-gasp of an era that has been

replaced by mass production and the replaced by mass production and the

replaced by mass production and the replaced by mass production and the

style and tastes that we know today. style and tastes that we know today.

style and tastes that we know today. style and tastes that we know today.