A LATE GEORGE III MAHOGANY WRITING-TABLE

The rounded corners of this writing-table head slender reeded columnar legs. Similar features appear in sketches for a pier table, library table, writing-table, chest-of-drawers and commode, all dated circa 1790, in the Estimate Sketch Books of Gillows (L. Boynton (ed.), Gillow Furniture Designs, 1760-1800, Royston, 1995, figs. 15, 21, 35, 115 and 123). A related writing-table was sold anonymously, Christie's, London, 9 April 1987, lot 99.

HOUGHTON HALL
Houghton was built for Sir Robert Walpole, Britain's first Prime Minister and later Earl of Orford. Building commenced in 1722 to designs now thought to be by James Gibbs. Colen Campbell was also involved and Thomas Ripley 'Chief Carpenter to the King's Works' supervised the building. In 1725 Walpole called in William Kent to decorate the interior and design furniture for the state rooms. Sir Robert's great collection of Old Masters now forms the core of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.
This table is likely to have been introduced following the death of the 3rd Earl of Orford and the inheritance of Houghton by the 1st Marquess of Cholmondeley. The Marquess was responsible for restoring the house after several decades of neglect.