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Lot Essay
This Carlton house desk was executed by the preeminent firm of Maple & Company, London who advertised themselves as 'the largest and most convenient furnishing establishment in the world'. The model corresponds to the 'Exceptionally Fine Satinwood Inlaid "Carlton" Writing Table' listed in the 'Drawing Room Furniture' setion of their sale catalogue and was priced at 30. While the firm was based at their Tottenham Court Road address in London, they also operated a branch in the rue Bourdeau in Paris. Their clientele included most members of the British Royal family as well as other members of European and Asian royalty including the Czar of Russia, the Empress of Germany, Empress Eugenie of France, the Royal family in the Netherlands and the King of Siam. For a full discussion on the firm, see H.Barty-King, Maples, London, 1992.
A virtually identical example stamped by the firm was sold from the collection of Baron van Zuylen van Nijevelt van de Haar, Kasteel de Haar, Christie's Amsterdam house sale, 13 October 1998, lot 30. The desk was part of a large commission of Georgian style furniture supplied by the firm to Baron van Zuylen while he was refurbishing the kasteel in the 1890's.
A virtually identical example stamped by the firm was sold from the collection of Baron van Zuylen van Nijevelt van de Haar, Kasteel de Haar, Christie's Amsterdam house sale, 13 October 1998, lot 30. The desk was part of a large commission of Georgian style furniture supplied by the firm to Baron van Zuylen while he was refurbishing the kasteel in the 1890's.