The conch-shell medallion, lit by garlanded lanterns in the antique manner is inspired by J. B. Piranesi's Diverse Manners of Ornamenting Chimneys, 1769, in which he drew attention to the beauty of testaceous forms used by the Etruscans in the decoration of their houses. This Pembroke table, whose medallion corresponds with that on a Pembroke table illustrated in the Gillow sketch books for 1788 (no. ...) at the Westminster Public Library, was designed en suite with a side table from Langleys, Essex. The latter was commissioned by William Tufnell, and is possibly by Charles Elliott of New Bond Street, who was appointed cabinet-maker to King George III in 1783. It was discussed and illustrated in 'Charles Elliot, Royal Cabinet-Maker', Connoisseur, June 1959, pp. 34-39, fig. 5, and sold at Christie's New York, 2 February 1991, lot 275