Writing about such 'pot cupboards' in his 1808 Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, George Smith noted 'these ornamental articles are calculated for dressed Chambers, to be placed on each side of the bed; the upper shelf serving for china, either for ornament or use, and forming at the same table a Table useful in case of indisposition' (pl. 130). This night-table is designed in the early 19th century French antique manner promoted by Smith, and the top of this Grecian plinth-supported and tambour-fronted pillar is banded with a Grecian-black fillet. Closely related night tables were commissioned by William Harry, 3rd Earl of Darlington around the time of George, Prince of Wales'’s 1805 visit to Raby Castle, Durham (one sold Christie’s Raby Castle Sale, 10 October 1994, lot 162).