14th Jun 2024
The Earnshill Suite - an Important Example
Busby are delighted to offer for sale, on the 18th July 2024, an important 18th century suite of mahogany seat furniture, c.1760, comprising a sofa, ten upholstered side chairs, and three window seats of graduating size, all raised on gadrooned and cabochon carved cabriole legs, terminating in scroll feet and leather casters, the property of Mr Combe of Earnshill House, Somerset.
Earnshill House was completed in 1731, built by the merchant Henry Combe ‘after the Italian manner’. Henry Combe is described variously as a shipowner and linen-draper, and was clearly a prominent figure in Bristol, where he was Mayor of the city in 1740-41, and stood for parliament from 1740 until his death. The estate was inherited by his son, Richard Combe (1728-80).
The personal accounts of Richard Combe remain elusive, but detailed cash books exist for the estate, which show Richard drawing increased personal funds from around 1760, perhaps for the furnishing of his Somerset seat.
