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H A R L E Q U I N A N D C O L U M B I N E
Discovery of the lost Harlequins of Wrest Park
A pair of 18th century lead figures of Harlequin and Columbine attributed to John Cheere (1709-1787)
A pair of 18th century lead figures of Harlequin and Columbine attributed to John Cheere (1709-1787)
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We purchased these lead figures, identified as rare works by John Cheere, requiring restoration. During restoration, research revealed a publication by the respected academic author, Lawrence Weaver, from 1908.
He refers to the missing figures of Wrest Park, Bedfordshire, “from the alcoves of the semi-circular arbours or Harlequin Half-House. The latter odd title, from once having sheltered leaden Harlequins”. Wrest Park contains many of John Cheere’s finest works.
The figures were removed from our sales list and reserved. English Heritage, who manages the estate, confirmed that the Half-House still stood, now fully restored, and gave us the dimensions of the two vacant shallow niches. It was difficult to imagine how the figures could fit, due to the flamboyant way the Harlequins’ limbs were posed.
A cautious English Heritage appointed Dr Sara Lunt and curator Gareth Hughes to conduct research over the next months. They found further evidence of the missing figures, later authenticating that they were indeed John Cheere’s work.
Further help came from John Davis, author of Antique Garden Ornament and a researcher at Blair Athol, who helpfully supplied a copy of an invoice in John Cheere’s own hand, dated 26 March 1765, to the Duke of Athol, detailing a pair of “Harlequin and Columbine of three feet and eleven inches high”. The sizes exactly matched our pair, confirming these to be the same Cheere models.
The acid test was going to be to mount them in the building’s niches. An academic committee was assembled by Dr Sara Lunt to view the figures in situ. Doubts were expressed that the Harlequins would fit, as there was no way of telling how they were oriented.
When they were taken to the Half-House they fitted the niches naturally, their proportions perfect to the building. They animated and brought the whole feature back to life. These photographs were taken at that moment – it was beyond a doubt these were the missing Harlequins. It was a very exciting moment for everyone present.
The figures were further presented to the National Art Collections Fund Committee, who endorsed their importance. Finally, they were returned to Wrest House, where they reside today.
He refers to the missing figures of Wrest Park, Bedfordshire, “from the alcoves of the semi-circular arbours or Harlequin Half-House. The latter odd title, from once having sheltered leaden Harlequins”. Wrest Park contains many of John Cheere’s finest works.
The figures were removed from our sales list and reserved. English Heritage, who manages the estate, confirmed that the Half-House still stood, now fully restored, and gave us the dimensions of the two vacant shallow niches. It was difficult to imagine how the figures could fit, due to the flamboyant way the Harlequins’ limbs were posed.
A cautious English Heritage appointed Dr Sara Lunt and curator Gareth Hughes to conduct research over the next months. They found further evidence of the missing figures, later authenticating that they were indeed John Cheere’s work.
Further help came from John Davis, author of Antique Garden Ornament and a researcher at Blair Athol, who helpfully supplied a copy of an invoice in John Cheere’s own hand, dated 26 March 1765, to the Duke of Athol, detailing a pair of “Harlequin and Columbine of three feet and eleven inches high”. The sizes exactly matched our pair, confirming these to be the same Cheere models.
The acid test was going to be to mount them in the building’s niches. An academic committee was assembled by Dr Sara Lunt to view the figures in situ. Doubts were expressed that the Harlequins would fit, as there was no way of telling how they were oriented.
When they were taken to the Half-House they fitted the niches naturally, their proportions perfect to the building. They animated and brought the whole feature back to life. These photographs were taken at that moment – it was beyond a doubt these were the missing Harlequins. It was a very exciting moment for everyone present.
The figures were further presented to the National Art Collections Fund Committee, who endorsed their importance. Finally, they were returned to Wrest House, where they reside today.
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Scanned copy of John Cheere's invoice to the Duke of Athol for the pair.
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