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Lot Essay
The present table relates closely to the work of John McLean & Son, a cabinet-making firm who practiced at Marylebone Street and various addresses in London from the end of the 18th century until 1825. The lavish use of gilt-lacquered brass mounts figures prominently in McLean's work. The particular detail of a star-form drawer pull also appears on a sofa table in rosewood by McLean, which is illustrated in S. Redburn, 'John McLean and Son', Furniture History, 1978, vol.xiv, pl.41B. In addition, the use of rosewood veneers, which provide a strong contrast to the gilt highlights, and the fine construction are other features which support an attribution to this workshop.
The present 'Grecian' table relates to a group of virtually identical form. Most recently, a table of this form formerly in the collection of 5th Baron Brownlow (1867-1927), Belton House, Lincolnshire was sold in these Rooms, 17 October 2003, lot 176. Another is illustrated in F. Lewis Hinckley, Hepplewhite, Sheraton & Regency Furniture, 1987, p.95, pl.181. Other examples of this model are known, including one, from the Moller Collection at Thorncombe Park, Surrey, sold Sotheby's, London, 18 November 1993, lot 127; another from the collection of the late the Hon. Mrs Pretyman, Orwell Park, Suffolk, sold Sotheby's, London, 7 July 1995, lot 138, another sold anonymously, Christie's, London, 11 November 1999, lot 60 and further example sold anonymously; Christie's, London, 5 April 2001, lot 70.
Also see lot 147 in the sale for a games table of this form with rounded ends.
The present 'Grecian' table relates to a group of virtually identical form. Most recently, a table of this form formerly in the collection of 5th Baron Brownlow (1867-1927), Belton House, Lincolnshire was sold in these Rooms, 17 October 2003, lot 176. Another is illustrated in F. Lewis Hinckley, Hepplewhite, Sheraton & Regency Furniture, 1987, p.95, pl.181. Other examples of this model are known, including one, from the Moller Collection at Thorncombe Park, Surrey, sold Sotheby's, London, 18 November 1993, lot 127; another from the collection of the late the Hon. Mrs Pretyman, Orwell Park, Suffolk, sold Sotheby's, London, 7 July 1995, lot 138, another sold anonymously, Christie's, London, 11 November 1999, lot 60 and further example sold anonymously; Christie's, London, 5 April 2001, lot 70.
Also see lot 147 in the sale for a games table of this form with rounded ends.