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Lot Essay
This elegant pair of occasional tables bear close similarities to the work of the renowned Scottish cabinet-maker William Trotter (d.1834). The Grecian-style lyre-shaped end-supports with their carved acanthus mouldings are similar to the lyre-shaped supports of several pieces firmly attributed to his hand, such as a sofa table Trotter supplied to George Home for Paxton House, Berwickshire in 1814 at a cost of £23 10s. od. (F. Bamford A Dictionary of Edinburgh Wrights and Furniture Makers 1660-1840, Leeds, 1983, pl.61). Another typical feature of Trotter's work is the 'knulled' or reeded edge to both the frieze and bun feet of these tables. A library centre table William Trotter supplied to The Signet Library, Edinburgh in 1822 has similar 'knulling' on its moulded base (F. Bamford A Dictionary of Edinburgh Wrights and Furniture Makers 1660-1840, Leeds, 1983, pl.69).
William Trotter descended from a long line of merchants, upholsterers and cabinet-makers. The family firm to which he had joined, ceased trading as Young and Trotter in 1805, continuing in Princes Street, Edinburgh with Trotter as the sole proprietor of the company until his death in 1833. Among Trotter's most significant commissions were the 42 items of furniture he supplied to George Home (1735-1820) circa 1814 for his new Library and Picture Gallery at Paxton House, Berwickshire.
William Trotter descended from a long line of merchants, upholsterers and cabinet-makers. The family firm to which he had joined, ceased trading as Young and Trotter in 1805, continuing in Princes Street, Edinburgh with Trotter as the sole proprietor of the company until his death in 1833. Among Trotter's most significant commissions were the 42 items of furniture he supplied to George Home (1735-1820) circa 1814 for his new Library and Picture Gallery at Paxton House, Berwickshire.