Frederick Crace (1779-1859) was the grandson of Edward Crace (1729-1799) the founder of the prominent firm of interior decorators, who was later Keeper of Pictures for George III. Both his and his father’s work reflects a fascination with the Orient that featured so prominently in English taste from the second half of the 18th century, but unlike most of their contemporaries they took great care in replicating original Chinese designs found in porcelain, textiles and enamelwork, rather than imagining them. Their chinoiserie designs have refinement and authenticity, as demonstrated by this side cabinet. One gets the sense that they understood the architecture of the buildings they reproduced and felt the texture of the fabrics they depicted. It is interesting to note that John Crace’s personal collection of Chinese curiosities and library was sold by Sotheby’s upon his death in 1819, adding weight to the suggestion amongst their papers that they also supplied Chinese works of art as part of their business. Frederick Crace also had a clear proficiency as a gilder as well as a decorator, demonstrated in the great variety and weight of line and texture achieved in the gilding on this cabinet. M. Aldrich considers trellis work ‘typical of Frederick Crace’s work…the use of small-scale trellis or diaper background against which the larger motifs are placed’ (M. Aldrich, The Craces: Royal Decorators 1768-1899, 1990, p. 24)
A similar cabinet with provenance from the Duke of Devonshire’s collection at Chatsworth was sold from the stock of the eminent London dealer Kenneth Neame, Christies, London, 13 June 2018, lot 6 (£93,750 inc. premium).

Post Lot Text

A LATE REGENCY JAPANNED TOLE AND PENWORK CABINET ATTRIBUTED TO FREDERICK CRACE, ENGLISH, CIRCA 1815-1830