MID-18TH CENTURY

The Greek-key pattern evident on the frieze of this table is a favored architectural motif that appears in the designs of Inigo Jones and William Kent. It features prominently on a Kent design of 1744 for a pedestal table at Chiswick House (see P.Ward-Jackson, English Furniture Designs of the Eighteenth Century, London, 1958, pl.15). A related mahogany side table, formerly in the renowned collection of The Hon. Sir John H. Ward, K.C.V.O., from his London residence Dudley House, was sold Christie's, New York, 18 October 2001, lot 225. A painted and parcel-gilt table with a similarly inspired frieze was sold Christie's London, 11 April 1985, lot 132.

Interestingly the Greek-key decoration to the frieze and the acanthus scrolled feet on the current table relate to a group of games tables commonly attributed to the cabinet-maker Benjamin Goodison who frequently worked alongside William Kent. Whilst the tables in this group have inlaid friezes, as opposed to carved, the stylistic similarities are obvious. For further information on the tables attributed to Goodison see lot 479 in the current Important English Furniture catalogue.