Description

Fine late C18th George III period mahogany neo-classical design elliptical pier or side table in the manner of Robert Adam , with reputed important provenance. Elegantly-proportioned pier table standing upon square section tapering legs terminating with tapered moulded-section block feet. The frieze applied with exceptionally well-carved oval 'sun-flower head' paterae above the waist moulding on the tops of the leg-stiles. The carved ovals deriving inspiration from classical antiquity, alluding to the lyrical poetry of Apollo and the Roman "Temple of Peace" and "Temple of Concord". The gently swept silhouette and outline of the frieze with well-chosen figured veneers. The elliptical top with equally well-figured timber which has achieved a good rich patina and colour.
Provenance.
By descent from a local Worcestershire family , by repute having been purchased in 1948 at auction of residual furniture and effects from 'Croome Court', Worcestershire , the neo-Palladian mansion seat of the Earls of Coventry. An auction was conducted by the local firm of "Bentley,Hobbs & Mytton" on Tuesday December 7th 1948 upon the premises. This sale comprised the remaining contents of the house, the major and important contents having been sold by auction at Sotheby's ,London in June 1948. Our research has not identified an exact description to match this table in the records of the furnishings supplied to Croome Court by the leading cabinet-making firms of Chippendale , Vile&Cobb, France&Bradburn ,and Mayhew&Ince,to the designs of Robert Adam. However, it is also known that large quantities of further 'antique' furniture and effects were acquired in the early C20th by the 9th Earl of Coventry and added to the house. Much of this 'added' furniture was purchased with his winnings on his travels following visits to race-courses around the country (see Sara Kay* study for National Trust "Croome Redefined " p. 276). Indeed the original scheme was 'over-furnished' by the 9th Earl and an eclectic mix filled the Court.
It is therefore possible , if not part of the original Adam scheme, that this late C18th period table was added to the collection during this era. To support this reputed provenance further, we have searched the Bentley Hobbs & Mytton catalogue of June 1948 and identified a possible entry for this table. Lot number 868 lists an "Antique mahogany table on square legs" (though the stated dimensions differ) as forming part of the contents of "The Green Dining Room" . This attribution is further supported by the faintly scripted word "Green" on the rear frame of the table. The "Green Dining Room" was a later decorative scheme designed by the 9th Earl , altering part of the original design for the house from the "Dining Parlour".
Importantly also, Sarah Kay's * extensive study of Croome also notes : "It is interesting to compare the inventory taken upon the death of the 9th Earl in 1930 with that of the 6th Earl in 1809. It lists similar quantities of mahogany furniture...including a bow-front side table". This obviously suggests the table could indeed be part of the original scheme and possibly overlooked for the London sale, possibly because of its restrained simplicity.This table is of high quality and undoubtedly from a premier London workshop of the Adam period, and although provenance cannot be further established by documentation , it is a probability that the family's reputed provenance of "the Croome table" is correct and that the table has remained in the Worcestershire area since its purchase in 1948 .(Copies of research and sources available)
*Sarah Kay "Croome Re-defined" . A study for National Trust.
The Scottish neo-classical architect and designer Robert Adam (1728-1792) was instructed by George William, 6th Earl of Coventry to update the design of the interior of Croome Court in 1760 . Excellent original condition ,with rich patina and colour.
H.33.5" x D.23.5" x W.63" . England c.1770
Established in the Cathedral City of Worcester for over 40 years ,M.Lees&Sons , run by Michael Lees ,have been dealing with public and trade from show-rooms in an early Georgian town-house. We aim to provide a straight-forward approach to our business and build lasting relationships with our customers. As members of the 'London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association' , we provide full descriptive details , date ,authenticity and any available provenance ,with full disclosure of any restoration or repair which may have taken place .
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Internal Ref: MLTH 1603