Napoléon's Footbath by George Bullock

This amazing footbath was created for Napoleon Bonaparte. It was part of the toilet service to be used during his exile on St. Helena. Just before shipment, a member of Parliament rejected the service because its laurel leaf decoration looked too much like a victor’s wreath, and he did not want Napoleon to feel he had been victorious in any way. Though never used by Napoleon, the fact that this intriguing footbath was destined for one of the most significant figures in world history makes it a most desirable and important antique.

The toilet service designed by renowned cabinetmaker and sculptor George Bullock (1777 - 1818). Considered a major and most influential furniture maker of the early 19th century, Bullock was renowned his exceptional craftsmanship. Eventually, he expanded his specialty to include fine and decorative art design. In 1814, Bullock moved to London where he established his workshop. The superior quality of his work soon made him very successful and sought after for special commissions, including three major commissions, that of Great Tew Park, Cholmondely Castle and Abbotsford. His most prestigious commission, however, was to supply furniture and accessories for the exiled Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. As the toilet set was not to be used by the deposed leader, Bullock instead sold the set to Matthew Robinson Boulton of Tew Park, Oxfordshire.  

 Circa 1816  

 13 ¾” wide x 19 ¾” length x 7 ¾” high