Regency Large Portrait Painting Gentleman in William Hill Birmingham Large Papier Mache Frame C 1815

We are excited to be able to share this wonderful early 19th century portrait of a Gentleman. You would expect it to be a portrait miniature as this style of frame was favoured for miniatures in the early 1800s.But no it is a large papier mache frame made by William Hill, with the ormolu insert likely made by William Miers. As Sue McKechnie mentions in her book on silhouettes, page 37 when mentioning William Hills paper mache frame business in Birmingham. "William Miers, a  specialist in Ormolu ware and a maker of ormolu frames for both silhouettes and for portrait miniatures, sometimes fitted rectangular ormolu surrounds into a large rectangular papier mache frame".

Our portrait is one of a pair, see his wife, each sold separately. They are each a slight different height.

The watercolour painting is on paper and features a young blonde haired gentleman facing us. The young gentleman can be seen wearing his best blue frock coat jacket with M notch to the lapel. He wears the mail-coach design cravat, striped waistcoat and hair cut short, high over the forehead. If you study the sitter’s face you will see the skin tones have been built up in tiny brush strokes, a technique that was favoured by miniature artists.

The painting is housed behind its original glass in its original rare and sought after papier mache frame with two impressed crown stamp for William Hill and Co, Birmingham verso. William Hill was one of the best makers of paper mache frames for miniatures and small pictures. The company flourished between 1812 to 1835. Hill made the papier mache frames used in the famous John Miers’ studio during the Regency era. This is the one of the largest known examples of his frames! The frame and ormolu bezel are of the highest quality, this really is rare to find a surviving portrait in this large size frame of the period.

This is the perfect portrait for anyone who loves the Georgian or Regency period.

Measuring: Frame width 10 1/8 inch (25.5 cm) by height 11 inch (28 cm). Aperture width 3 5/8 inch (9.5 cm) by height 4 ½ inch (11.5 cm).

Condition: Light surface wear commensurate with age. A minor chip/indentation to the bottom edge of the front of the frame. The original top 'grape and vine' hanger is held in strong; the top nail is a bit crude to look at but works perfectly. The lower two nails are secure as well.

Item ID:16745