POSSIBLY BY GEORGE OAKLEY, 1813-1819

The early 19th century introduction of a living room, combining the 18th century formal parlour and library, is represented by the introduction of such tables at Stoneleigh Abbey, Warwickshire. Veneered in rosewood, which features the black-figuring or marbling favoured by contemporary 'Grecian' taste, and equipped with writing-drawers and candle-slides, their reeded and vase-enriched pillars are raised on Grecian-scrolled 'claws'. They would have served as 'sofa' tables in company with the Grecian black sofa acquired by J. H. Leigh in 1813 from the Bond Street court cabinet-maker George Oakley (d. 1841) and described as 'an ebonized Chaise Longue with Bolster end.' The latter was also en suite with Oakley's '12 Grecian Ebonized Chairs with brass ornaments', and in spite of no supporting documentation, it is almost certain that Oakley also provided these tables.