A pattern dated 1797 in the Estimate Sketch Books of Gillows of London and Lancaster, shows a rectilinear chest with secretaire concealed by trompe l'oeil drawer fronts (L. Boynton (ed.), Gillow Furniture Designs 1760-1800, Royston, 1995, fig. 148). Its embellishment in the 'Roman' manner with ribbon-banded tablets and medallions and its richly figured satinwood is also typical of Gillows work of this period, while its lion feet are likely to have been added at a later date to introduce a 'Roman' character more suitable to George IV's Regency.