Small Georgian Solid Lead Recumbent Hound Dog Garden Sculpture

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Description


Rare Small Early Georgian Solid Lead Recumbent Hound Dog Sculpture — In the Manner of John Cheere — c.1760

This early Georgian solid lead hound is in the manner of works attributed to John Cheere (1709–1787), one of the most prominent English makers of lead garden sculpture in the mid-18th century. Cheere’s Hyde Park Corner workshops supplied aristocratic estates with both large-scale figures and smaller decorative animals for terraces, parterres, grottoes, and garden alcoves.

Subject, Attribution & Artistic Context
The modelling of this compact recumbent hound — naturalistic yet gently stylised — is stylistically comparable to smaller lead animals produced in London workshops active between c.1740–1770, including those associated with Cheere’s circle.
Features supporting this stylistic comparison include:
Softly rounded contours typical of mid-18th-century English lead casting
Subtle hand-finished details around the head, paws, and torso
Casting characteristics on the underside consistent with period leadwork
A serene recumbent pose in keeping with Georgian decorative taste
During this period, Cheere’s workshops — along with other London foundries working in similar style — supplied sculptures to major patrons including:
Stourhead (Sir Henry Hoare)
Wimpole Hall (Philip Yorke, 1st Earl of Hardwicke)
Badminton House (Duke of Beaufort)
Stowe (Lord Cobham)
London townhouse gardens and urban estates
Many such commissions incorporated small-scale animals comparable in concept and stylistic treatment to the present example.
While no documentation survives for this specific hound, its craftsmanship and aesthetic qualities are consistent with lead sculpture produced in London during the mid-18th century, particularly those executed in the manner of Cheere and related workshops.

Composition & Technique
Cast in solid lead and weighing approx. 3.4 kg, this sculpture embodies the charming solidity of Georgian decorative art.
Material: Early Georgian cast lead
Surface: Attractive naturally aged patina with soft grey and silvered tones
Form: Graceful recumbent hound with gentle head tilt and elegantly rendered paws
Style: A balanced blend of naturalism and classical restraint typical of mid-18th-century leadwork
Suitable for interior display or a sheltered garden setting.
Dimensions
Height: 9.5 cm
Width: 7 cm
Length: 17 cm
A perfect display size for consoles, shelves, desks, vitrines, or curated interiors.

Provenance
From a stately home garden museum collection, now with:
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Why You’ll Love It
✔ Attractive early Georgian decorative piece
✔ In the manner of John Cheere (stylistic comparison)
✔ Solid lead with an excellent aged patina
✔ Elegant and noble recumbent hound subject
✔ Ideal for collectors, designers, curators & period-inspired interiors
✔ Perfect for film/TV props, garden rooms & refined displays

Condition Report
Good antique condition
Scuffs, chips, grazes, and minor losses consistent with age and earlier outdoor placement
Structurally sound and stable
No modern repairs detected

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Reserve: $2,660.00

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