This sumptuous wine cooler, modelled on a Roman sarcophagus, was almost certainly designed by Robert Adam for Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn's house at 20 St.
James's Square which was not only designed by Adam but furnished largely from his designs. The Eating Room in particular bore the evidence of Adam's hand in every detail of its design and display. The cooler would have originally stood in the Eating Room beneath a large side table, flanked by a pair of urns, which are also in the Museum's collection.
Provenance
By descent to Sir Watkins Williams-Wynn; Sold Christies, 16/11/89, lot 96.