Provenance

Part of the furnishings supplied by Holland & Sons in 1855 for bedrooms on the second floor of Buckingham Palace. These rooms were made up for the attendents of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie. V&A, Archive of Art and Design, AAD/1983/13/40, Holland & Sons archive.

Holland & Sons started as Taprell & Holland c.1815 before changing their name and becoming known as Holland & Sons from 1843. Their first work for the Royal Family was in partnership with Dowbiggin & Co. in the furnishing of Osborne House for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The firm worked at all residences both private and public for the royal couple as well as for many of their children, particularly the Prince of Wales who used them up until 1902. Holland & Sons provided new furniture as well as undertaking interior decoration and repairs. They were also involved in the funeral of Prince Albert and Edward VII as well as the latter’s coronation.