CIRCA 1760

The serpentine-fronted cabinet fitted with a central bank of drawers flanked by doors relates to Thomas Chippendale's design for a French Commode Table published in the third edition of his Director, 1762 (pl. LXIX). A commode corresponding more closely to Chippendale's design was possibly supplied to Sir John Ramsden for Byram Hall, Ferrybridge, Yorks, by the Wakefield cabinet-makers Messrs Wright and Elwick. It descended in the family until sold at Christie's, 16 February 1950, lot 127, thereafter passing through the hands of dealers and collectors until sold again Christie's, London 14 May 2003, lot 70 (£100,450 including premium). Another with a different arrangement of drawers but other features associated with Chippendale's workshop, was almost certainly supplied in the early 1760s to Sir William Baker for Bayfordbury, Herts, and again passed by descent in the family. It was sold at Christie's, London, 23 April 1998, lot 133 (£20,700 including premium) and again by Joseph and Laverne Scheiszler, Christie's, New York, 21 October 1999, lot 145 ($40,250 including premium).