18th/19th Century Beau Brummell Georgian Regency Period Flame Mahogany Gentleman's Dressing Table Writing Desk Vanity

Description

A rare and spectacular George III period (1760-1820) Beau Brummell gentleman's dressing table.

There is no mistaking this remarkably distinctive … more A rare and spectacular George III period (1760-1820) Beau Brummell gentleman's dressing table.

There is no mistaking this remarkably distinctive table's complex design and superb quality, which is certain to attract attention, add interest, and become a talking point wherever you place it. Metamorphic like, the multipurpose piece transforming from a library table or console - vanity - work table - writing desk)

Refined elegant sophistication at its finest, born in late 18th / early 19th century at the height of the George III Regency period, also known as the golden age of classical English furniture design.

Exquisitely hand-crafted of the finest mahogany, having a rectangular top with warm, rich, highly figured swirl - flame mahogany, contrasting satinwood string banding and intricate cross-banded inlays, covered with an optional later glass top, above a trio of drawers affixed with beautiful gilt brass lion pull hardware, the center drawer opening to reveal a divided interior fitted with numerous compartments, richly grained mahogany veneered lids, and a lovely Worcester porcelain desk set.

Above the drawer a pull-out panel with inset green felt functions as both a writing - work surface extension and brushing slide.

Flanking the main drawer, a pair of drawers slide-outward and open to reveal brass hinged large panel mirrors that can also be used to double the work surface, when lifted the mirrors can rotate and additional lidded storage compartments are revealed, including a pin cushion for sewing, horse hair bristle brush, and divided slots coin compartment.

Having elegant clean lines, simple apron, highest-quality reinforced drawers to support the additional weight and allow them to fully extend, all rising on tapered square legs, terminating in patinated brass capped feet with casters.

Dimensions: (approx)
29.5" High, 44.5" Wide, 25.75" Deep (table form)

Provenance:
From the Collection of Gloria Monnet Nicholson, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Acquisition:
Acquired from highly reputable auction house Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas. June 2022 Fine Furniture & Decorative Arts Signature Auction #8085 catalog.

Who was Beau Brummell:
George Bryan "Beau" Brummell (1778–1840) was an important figure in Regency England and, for many years, the arbiter of men's fashion. At one time, he was a close friend of the Prince Regent, the future King George IV, but after the two quarrelled and Brummell got into debt, he had to take refuge in France.

Brummell was remembered afterwards as the preeminent example of the dandy, and a whole literature was founded upon his manner and witty sayings, which have persisted until today. His name is still associated with style and good looks and has been given to a variety of modern products to suggest their high quality.

Brummelliana: In literature, Brummell has been more extensively portrayed. Scarcely had he left England than he was satirised as the witty Bellair in the picaresque novel Six Weeks at Long's, by a Late Resident (1817), now ascribed to Eaton Stannard Barrett. Among his humorous remarks there, he is credited with denouncing the eating of vegetables and, when challenged whether he had ever tried it, replying, "Oh, yes, I remember I once ate a pea." A collection of the witticisms ascribed to him and of anecdotes about him followed under the title Brummelliana was republished many times in the following decades. This began with the story of him enquiring the identity of his companion's "fat friend", and also included his "I once ate a pea" remark. William Hazlitt borrowed the same title, "Brummelliana", for an unsympathetic essay published in 1828, referring to some of these stories and repeating others uncollected there. Dandyism also came under attack in George Robert Wythen Baxter's satirical essay "Kiddyism", published in humorous journals from 1832 onwards, which culminates in a set of satirical aphorisms purporting to be yet more Brummelliana. Further fictitious aphorisms were published in France by Honoré de Balzac in the course of a series of articles published under the title Traité de la vie élégante (1830). These sayings were supposed to have arisen during an interview with Brummell in Boulogne, rather than Calais, and epitomise his view of "the elegant life". Brummell is also remembered through numerous published literary portrayals.

Condition:
Very good antique condition, especially considering its well over 200 years old. Beautifully aged mellow patina. Stable and functional.

Detailed Condition Report:
Wear consistent with age and use. Retaining original antique character, including minor scattered losses to veneer, with areas of age splits, blistering, and past restorations to table. Small area of missing brass trim to rear. Areas of blushing to finish of tabletop and deterioration around edge of table evident when glass is removed

Various minor chips and professional restoration to porcelain inkwell and pen holder.

Overall a wonderful example, in great shape, with nothing that detracts from the display or functionality, but only adds to the elegant warmth and rich historical depth that can only be aquired over long periods of time.

Delivered cleaned, waxed, with hand rubbed polished French patina finish, ready for immediate use and generational enjoyment! less