SECOND HALF 19TH CENTURY

The fashion for elegant marquetry furniture was popularised by the work of William Moore (d. 1814) of Dublin, who established his 'Inlaid Cabinet Wareroom' in Abbey Street around 1780. Moore's advertisement for his 'Inlaid work' included mention of his manufacture of 'Pier-Tables ... in the newest taste' and appeared in the Dublin Evening Post of 1782, crediting the 'perfection' of his work to his 'long experience at Messrs Mayhew and Ince, London'. The tradition was continued through the 19th Century and into the early years of the 20th Century, as most successfully emulated by James Hicks of Dublin. Hicks established his firm at 5 Lower Pembroke Street in 1894, producing furniture of the highest quality and receiving patronage from and various royals and members of the aristocracy including king Edward VII's daughter, Princess Victoria and the Crown Princess of Sweden. Card tables by Hicks exhibiting similar motifs were included in the sale of Cabineteely House, Dublin, Christie's house sale, 5-6 November 1984, lots 118-120. This breakfast-table features shamrocks in its decoration which supports an Irish attribution.