A fine George IV brass-inlaid rosewood kneehole desk circa 1830, attributed to Town & Emanuel

with five drawers around a kneehole.

Sold, Christie's, London, November 29, 1984, lot 75

Sold, Sotheby's, New York, June 7-8, 1985, lot 320

Sold, Sotheby's, New York, April 7, 1990, lot 213

Collection of Lord White of Hull, sold, Christie's, New York, October 16, 1998, lot 37

Illustrated, G. Beard and J. Goodison, English Furniture 1500-1840, London, 1987, p. 275, fig. 3.

In overall good restored condition with some minor veneer patches and infilling, some small dents to the brass, minor age cracks to the top, some minor age cracks to the drawer linings, overall with some old marks, scratches, scuffs and minor surface abrasions consistent with age and use.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The overall design of this desk is reminiscent of forms made by André-Charles Boulle at the turn of the 18th century which incorporated Boulle marquetry panels inspired by the designs of Jean Bérain.  Furniture of this and other Boulle designs became very fashionable during George IV's reign and was made by cabinet-makers including Thomas Parker of Air Street and Louis Le Gaigneur of Edgware Road.

These designs were also made by the London firm of Town & Emanuel which was located at 103 New Bond Street from 1830 until the sale of their stock in 1849.  They were dealers, manufacturers and restorers and their printed trade label proclaimed them as 'Manufacturers of Buhl Marqueterie, Riesner [sic] & Carved Furniture, Tripods, Screens &. of the Finest and Most Superb Designs of the Times of Louis 14th ..." (reproduced, F. Collard, 'Town & Emanuel', Furniture History, 1996, p. 82, fig. 1).  An almost identical desk was probably supplied to the 2nd Marquess of Exeter for Burghley House (illustrated, Collard, op. cit. p. 85, fig. 5).