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.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Wine cooler, 1773
Date supported
1991
Medium and material
Mahogany & lead & ormolu
Dimensions
47 x 86 x 56 cm
Grant
5000
Total cost
56856
Get a National Art Pass and explore National Museum Cardiff
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
National Art Pass offers available at National Museum Cardiff
10% off in café
Enjoy a range of sandwiches and baguettes, home-made soup, and cakes made from local Welsh ingredients where possible.
Expires: 1 Jan 2026
10% off in restaurant
Expires: 1 Jan 2026
10% off in shop
Expires: 1 Jan 2026
Art Funded by you FAQs
Contact us
If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.