£3,200
CIRCLE OF THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH RA. .(1727-1788) Portrait of Thomas Walford, half-length, wearing a moss green jacket, oil on canvas, 30 x 24 in
A label on the reverse states 'Thomas Walford. The 'S line (?)' Patent 8 Oct 1777'
The sitter, while living in the Parish of St. John , Clerkenwell.. was granted by King George 111, a patent in October 1777 for ''an engine for the plaiting, inter-weaving of Laces, Curtains and other lines in the most perfect manner both round and flat, and a variety of other articles in that way by far cheaper than ever yet made and so as to be very advantageous to the Trade and Commerce of this Country'
Provenance: Walford’s patented machine is said to have been installed on the premises of the Company James Austin and Sons Ltd, c.1780.
Provenance: The portrait remained in the ownership of the Austin family until the closure of the family firm in 1944.
F.G. Austin, Esq.
F.C. Austin, Esq
Thence by descent to the present vendor
Fees apply to the hammer price:
Free Registration
27.6% inc VAT*
Flat Fee Registration
24.00% inc VAT*
