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)
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.

Female figure (above) and male figure (below) before restoration
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.

Other restoration projects have included:

Monumental, 20th century, three-ton lead sculpture of Madonna and Christ Child, by Sir Joseph Epstein (1880-1959). Cavendish Square, London W1.
Two monumental, 19th century, continental lead fountains. Private estate, Kent.
An 18th century, Commedia dell’Arte lead figure of Punch, by John Cheere (1709-87). Auction house, Sussex.
An 18th century, life-scale lead sundial of a blackamoor, by John Cheere (1709-87). Private owner, London.
A pair of 18th Century lead cherubs on pier balls, mfr. Anon. Private owner, London.
A number of urns, restored, re-cast, replaced and secured. Important garden, National Trust, Sussex.
A large, early 20th century, lead group “Diana the Huntress” by H. Crowther. N.J. Botanical Gardens, U.S.A.
An 18th century lead figure of a gamekeeper with a hound, by John Cheere (1709-87).
An 18th century lead figure of a gamekeeper, by John Cheere (1709-87). Private estate, Bath.
An important 18th century fountain group, by John van Nost (fl. 1677-1710), of a child riding a swan. Antique dealer, Dorset.
Pair of monumental scale, 18th century sphinx, by John Cheere (1709-87). U.S. client.
An important 18th century, life-scale lead figure of Father Time, by John van Nost (fl. 1677-1710). London antique trade.
An over life scale, 18th century lead figure of Antinious, by Andries Carpentiere (1670-1737). Private estate, Derbyshire.
Pair of Commedia dell’Arte lead figures of Harlequin and Columbine. English Heritage site, Bedfordshire.
Over life scale, 18th century lead figure of Minerva, by John van Nost (fl. 1677-1710). Private owner, Bath.
Pair of life scale, 18th century lead figures of Mars and Minerva, by Andries Carpentiere (1670-1737). Private collection, London.
A pair of 18th century, life scale lead figures of Mars and Minerva, by John van Nost “The Younger” (fl. 1710-29). Private collection, London.
An 18th century, Commedia dell’Arte lead figure subject, Ciro, by John Cheere (1709-87). Private estate, Berkshire.
A 20th century, lead figure of a water carrier, by the Bromsgrove Guild. Private owner, Sussex.
An 18th century, maquette portrait statue, thought to be of Queen Charlotte, plus four monumental, 20th century urns by the Singer foundry. Private estate, Oxon.
An 18th century, van Nost lead statue of Flora, together with a large number of urns, restored and secured. West Country Arts College.

Contact H. Crowther Ltd to discuss your restoration project.