The Collections supported by Leeds Art Fund

A pair of vase-shaped knife boxes designed for an elegant 18th-century dining room.

This unusual pair of vase knife cases is made from satinwood, birch, tulipwood, mahogany, pine, ebony and box. The stem, dome cover and carcase are of turned birch. The domed covers, topped by acorn finials, are segmented with herringbone strings in light, dark and green-stained woods.

The lids are raised on square mahogany rods that slide within central tubes. The interior is designed to hold 21 knives, 18 forks and 12 spoons. The vases may have been placed one at each end of a dining-room sideboard.. The vase knife cases were given through the LACF by Lady Martin in 1955.  (C. Gilbert, Furniture at Temple Newsam House and Lotherton Hall

A marble-effect pedestal , ideal for displaying a portrait bust.

A pedestal in scagliola marble, given by the LACF in 1925.

A fine example of a characteristic late 18th century Dutch sideboard cabinet.

The top of the sideboard lifts to reveal an oval pewter basin fitted in a well. A pewter urn fixed inside the lid discharges water into the basin. The lid itself is held open by hinged wooden brackets, which also support two pairs of folding shelves for glasses. The basin and cistern are stamped with Rotterdam pewter marks. The carcase of the sideboard is made from oak, veneered with mahogany. Formerly at Farfield Hall, Addingham, Yorkshire, the sideboard cabinet was given through the LACF by Lady Martin in 1952. (Gilbert, C., Furniture at Temple Newsam House and Lotherton Hall,1978)