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Cedar linen press-on-chest Circa 1835-40 140 x 231 x 58 cm The…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Hobart
Date:
7-Dec-2008
Lot No.
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Description:
Cedar linen press-on-chest Circa 1835-40 140 x 231 x 58 cm The Important Richard Lewis and Sir Neil Elliott Lewis Hobart Town early colonial cedar linen press-on-chest, Tasmanian, Circa 1835-40 Cross-banded cornice, triple reeded astragal,cover strip, nulling bead adornment to ribbon grain door panels which enclose five original sliding clothes trays, four cockbeaded drawers. Richard Lewis 1789 - 1867 was a free settler who arrived in Hobart Town in 1815. He founded the business which later became R. Lewis & Sons which were involved in commerce and shipping at the corner of Argyle and Collins Street. This business operated from the 1820s until 1845. In December 1816 he was appointed Government Auctioneer, and by the time of Commissioner John Thomas Bigges enquiry he was a substantial merchant in Hobart Town. In 1823 he was one of the foundation proprietors of the Bank of Van Diemens Land. He acquired other properties including 12 acres at New Town, 9 acres at Bellerive which included the Highlander Inn, a farm in the Cambridge district including Milford (still occupied by his great great-granddaughter Miss Margaret Louise Lewis), property at Llanherne, the Neck, the Bluff, Abernant and Cilwen. He married Isabella on 23 October 1816, the fourth child of Captain Neil Mackellar. They had six sons and five daughters. His grandson Sir Neil Elliott Lewis was to become the youngest premier of Tasmania at age 41 in 1899. This colonial press on chest passed by descent to Sir Neil, to his home Werndee in New Town. Then via Sandra Lewis to The Settlers Conviction Antiques to the present owner. It remains in pristine untouched condition with excellent patina.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified