C. 1765 George III Period Gentleman's Library Writing Table Chest

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Description

Circa 1765 George III period Gentleman's Library Writing Table Chest, English. Folio stand or drawing stand rising writing surface. Each … Read more Circa 1765 George III period Gentleman's Library Writing Table Chest, English. Folio stand or drawing stand rising writing surface. Each side with 14 drawers surrounding a paneled door revealing 8 collector drawers (28 drawers & 16 collector drawers total). Raised on a cut-out plinth base with original wooden casters (one replaced). Retaining all original hardware - bail & rosette pulls & batwing side handles. The front drawer & blind-diamond lattice design carved fretwork pilaster supports slide forward for the adjustable leathered writing surface to lift and revealing a concealed integral swing out ink drawer to the right side. Double rising top allows for various configurations & heights, double removable reading rails on the top surface. Cuban mahogany solids, some mahogany veneer, with oak secondary throughout, indicative or London & Edinburgh makers, as well as Gillows of Lancaster. Attribution: while the esteemed J. Collins & Son attributed this to Gillows, an attribution to Edinburgh is equally plausible, give the extensive use of solid mahogany (London favored veneers & applied moldings). Chippendale begins showing the form in 1753 in a large desk style. Gillows & Chippendale documents show these were for the wealthiest clients with significant libraries to warrant such a piece. Provenance: The Dr. John Fryer Collection, London & Chapel Hill, from J. Collins & Son, John & Pamela Biggs, CINOA, BADA & LAPADA, June 11, 1999 for £85,000. Some rippling of the veneers on the body/chest surface - only visible when the top is up. Condition commensurate with age and use.

40.5" w., 27.5" d., 30.5" h.
Extends to 47" deep and 58.5" high. See less