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Lot Essay
This metamorphic writing-commode/chest-of-drawers is fitted with carrying-handles and has a hinged top with book-rest while its legs are attached to the frieze drawer containing a writing surface and swivelling compartmentalized drawer. This type of ingenious multi-purpose furniture is illustrated in the advertisement print or trade card issued by Thomas Potter, who was in partnership with John Kelsey in the 1730s (illustrated in C. Gilbert and T. Murdoch, John Channon and brass-inlaid furniture, 1730-1760, London, 1993, fig. 11).
A writing-desk of this form with fluted front supports is illustrated by P. Macquoid and R. Edwards in The Dictionary of English Furniture, London, rev. edn., 1954, vol.II, p.44, fig.39; its apparent pair with closely matching timbers, fitted as a dressing-table, was sold, the Property of a Lady, Christie's London, 4 July 1996, lot 260. A similar desk of this form with recessed kneehole was sold by Mrs. K.M. Moore, Christie's London, 10 April 1986, lot 174. Another was sold by Mrs. E.R. Stewart, Christie's, London, 16 July 1953, lot 53.
A writing-desk of this form with fluted front supports is illustrated by P. Macquoid and R. Edwards in The Dictionary of English Furniture, London, rev. edn., 1954, vol.II, p.44, fig.39; its apparent pair with closely matching timbers, fitted as a dressing-table, was sold, the Property of a Lady, Christie's London, 4 July 1996, lot 260. A similar desk of this form with recessed kneehole was sold by Mrs. K.M. Moore, Christie's London, 10 April 1986, lot 174. Another was sold by Mrs. E.R. Stewart, Christie's, London, 16 July 1953, lot 53.