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Lot Essay
The library-table, conceived in late 18th century French 'antique' manner, has an Egyptian reed-banded top and Etruscan/Grecian-black ribboned tablets enriching the drawer-nests, which have Pompeian pillared corners. This facade pattern features on a pattern for a black-leathered desk, to be executed in mahogany with ebony-fluted pillars, in the 1792 Estimate Sketch Book of Gillows of London and Lancaster (Gillow Archive, Westminster Library, p.872).
The latter, supplied for the library designed by the architect Robert Adam at Byram Hall, Yorkshire, was later adapted in George IV 'Regency' fashion by the substitution of golden lion paws in place of its original stump pillars (sold Sotheby'’s London, 23 November 2005, lot 108).
A Regency pedestal library desk attributed to Gillows and supported on similar golden lion paws was sold Christie's London, Furniture, Silver and Porcelain from Longleat, 13 June, 2002, lot 422.
The latter, supplied for the library designed by the architect Robert Adam at Byram Hall, Yorkshire, was later adapted in George IV 'Regency' fashion by the substitution of golden lion paws in place of its original stump pillars (sold Sotheby'’s London, 23 November 2005, lot 108).
A Regency pedestal library desk attributed to Gillows and supported on similar golden lion paws was sold Christie's London, Furniture, Silver and Porcelain from Longleat, 13 June, 2002, lot 422.