A set of three Regency ebonised, gold painted and parcel giltwood pelmets, circa 1815, comprising a pair and one shorter example, each of semi-cylindrical section with central painted acanthus and scroll decoration the ends in the form of giltwood gryphons, approximately 262cm and 252cm long respectively Provenance: Possibly, Sir John Chichester of Raleigh (c. 1752-1808), 6th Baronet, for Youlston Park, Devon, or Sir Arthur Chichester (1790-1842), 7th Baronet, in the early 19th century These Regency ebonized and parcel-gilt pelmets are in the French 'antique' style popularized in Percier & Fontaine's Recueil de Décoations Intérieures, published in 1801. Zoomorphic pelmets are featured in George Smith's A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration (1808), plates 1, 7, 8, 10 and 13, as is Greek-revival 'anthemion' ornamentation in the decorative arts. The eclectic and exotic nature of Regency fashion was led by George, Prince of Wales (later George IV, 1762-1830) at Carlton House, London and the Royal Pavilion, Brighton. These pelmets were installed in the Chinese Room at Youlston Park, Shirwell, Devon; this room located on the Ground Floor is hung with Chinese wallpaper 'exceptional for the extent of the animated scenes colourfully depicted against a buff ground' (C. Hussey, 'Youlston Park, Devon', Country Life, 11 May 1961, p. 1085, fig. 3 and p. 1086). Although, these pelmets differ stylistically from Chinoiserie decoration, in their colouring they relate to 18th and early 19th century Chinese ebonised picture frames adorned with gold motifs. These pelmets are possibly part of the early 19th century refurbishment that occurred either during the tenure of the 6th baronet, Sir John Chichester of Raleigh (c. 1752-1808) or when the house was inherited by his cousin, Sir Arthur (1790-1842), who became the 7th baronet. Condition Report: Marks, knocks, scratches, abrasions consistent with age and use, The gryphons all with chips and losses to the gilt surface, the wings are made as separate elements which have been joined to the bodies of the beasts, where the join is they all have various chips, losses, openings to these joints and signs of various old repair including glue and pins, there is loss to the gilt in these areas too. One gryphon is missing the front section of one paw. The shafts all with wear and losses to the painted surfaces, and numerous scratches revealing underlying timber in places The rears with some later timber and blocks and hanging hooks Condition Report Disclaimer