A REGENCY EBONY-INLAID MAHOGANY SOFA/DRESSING TABLE

CIRCA 1810, POSSIBLY BY GILLOWS

Details

A REGENCY EBONY-INLAID MAHOGANY SOFA/DRESSING TABLE
Circa 1810, possibly by Gillows
The rounded rectangular twin-hinged top with line decoration and reeded edge with a central hinged panel lifting to reveal a compartmentalised interior and ratcheted dressing mirror, the frieze with two drawers flanking a false central drawer, conformingly panelled to the reverse, raised on standard tapering end supports with downswept legs and brass caps and casters, the underside of one drawer stencilled with the number 31762 twice
29in. (74cm.) high, 60½in. (154cm.) open, 25¾in. (65cm.) deep

Provenance

Almost certainly supplied to Robert, 2nd Earl Grosvenor, either for Eaton Hall, Cheshire, or Grosvenor House, London.
Thence by descent with the Dukes of Westminster, Grosvenor House, London, from whom acquired by R.H. Lehne.
Acquired by French and Company, New York, 3 September 1928.
Purchased by Anita Coleman on behalf of Mrs. B. Baron, 4 May 1956 ($1,194.80).

Lot Essay

The firm of Gillows are known to have undertaken one of their most lavish commissions for the Marquess of Westminster prior to 1840. The commission was in the Gothic taste reflecting the taste of the rebuilt Eaton Hall, and it is possible that this table, both in the manner and quality of Gillows may have formed part of a further commission.

In what would appear to be a catalogue entry attached to the French & Company sale record the table receives a notable final entry; 'The mahogany posesses a beautiful faded brown patina, and the top is bordered in simulated ebony. We regard this table as one of the finest examples of its kind extant.'

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