Background
From 1763 to his death John Linnell continued to develop the business his father had established and his reputation grew.
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John Linnell
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Career
Linnell was in charge of one of London"s largest cabinet-makers firms of the 18th century with many important and prominent patrons. The firm moved from 8 Long Acre in Saint Martin"s Lane, London to 28 Berkeley Square in 1750. However, due to his unconventional lifestyle, he left no heir to his trade and the fate of the firm after his death is uncertain.
However the evidence is not conclusive.
They were principal cabinet-makers to George IV and this firm worked at Carlton House and Buckingham Palace. Linnell introduced C. H. Tatham to Henry Holland who later funded his educational trip to Rome.
In 1796 when C. H. Tatham learned of Linnell"s death, he was in Rome and wrote to Henry Holland, who had his home in Sloane Avenue, Knightsbridge - that he was deeply upset by John Linnell"s death. These drawings now survive at the V&A.
Patrons
One of John Linnell"s first jobs as a designer in father"s firm was for a suite of furniture for Charles Somerset, 4th Duke of Beaufort" Chinese Bedroom at Badminton House.
John Linnell was also commissioned by Nathaniel Curzon, 1st Baron Scarsdale at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire.
Linnell delivered furniture from c.1760
Another important patron was the banker Robert Child. Osterley Park House, Middlesex remains very much as it did in the eighteenth century when John Linnell supplied furniture for the Childs. Robert Adam was the architect there.
Design for the State Coach of George III
John Linnell submitted designs for the State Coach of George III. Several designs were submitted for this important commission.
lieutenant is thought that the architect Robert Adam also submitted designs. lieutenant was the King"s architect William Chambers, who produced the final design.
Drury Lane Theatre
John Linnell was also involved in the design of the Drury Lane theatre. He produced the designs for the boxes - these survive at the V&A.
