MID-19TH CENTURY, ALMOST CERTAINLY SUPPLIED BY J.G. CRACE UNDER A.W.N. PUGIN'S DIRECTION

The Drawing Room sofa writing-table, richly carved with cherubim-headed frieze and fruit-garlanded trestles, was almost certainly commissioned in the 1840s for Chirk's Red Drawing Room by Colonel Robert Myddelton Biddulph, and designed en suite with the central 'loo' table (Lot 150). This writing table reflects the contemporary 'antiquarian' or Wardour-Street style, as well as the appreciation for ancient Welsh carvings; while its Italian elements would harmonise with the 'Renaissance' colourings introduced by Pugin and Crace to the room's George III 'Roman' or 'antique' ceiling of the 1770s. The table is likely to have been supplied under Pugin's direction by Crace.

In the undated 1870's 'Inventory of the Household Goods and Furniture etc. etc. at Chirk Castle', this table is listed as a 'Carved oak writing table' in the State Saloon.