A REGENCY GOTHIC REVIVAL MAHOGANY SIDEBOARD TABLE CIRCA 1810

the breakfronted top above three frieze drawers raised on cluster-column legs headed by pierced quatrefoil brackets; originally fitted with casters. Repairs to three legs, some losses.

Sold, Sotheby's, New York, April 17, 1998, lot 806

Restored condition, old repaired break to back right leg and slightly loose, five pierced brackets with old repaired breaks with some infilling and inpainting and with later screws, some minor chips to the veneer, overall with some old marks, scratches, scuffs and bruises consistent with age and use. Mahogany drawer linings with some repaired age cracks and with traces of old newsprint to corners, black varnish to elements, tops of legs cut and reattached at center of capitals, some replacements to veneers.
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.

This imposing Table with its deep frieze with blind fret ornament, and supported on joined cluster-column legs with foliate capitals and pierced brackets, is conceived in the Gothic taste, a style which was revived as a curious facet of the rococo style, fashionable in England in the mid 18th century. Thomas Chippendale introduced Gothic elements into a number of his published designs, a 'Sideboard Table,' plate LX in the third edition of the 'Director,' having very similar cluster-column supports. Although used sparingly in most schemes, glorious Gothic follies were also built, such as Strawberry Hill, Middlesex, by Horace Walpole, and 'Pomfret Castle,' 18 Arlington Street, London, sadly now demolished. In the early 19th century the style continued to flourish, and it is from this period that the present Table dates. Amongst the greatest proponents of the style in the late 18th and early 19th century was the architect James Wyatt, who worked for William Beckford at Fonthill Abbey, and Ashridge, Hertfordshire. It is within the type of interiors created for houses such as these that a table like this would have been placed. The scale of the piece is enriched by the gothic elements of the blind fret decoration and richly carved brackets. Presumably these would have echoed the decorative elements of the architectural elements, forming a complete and well-organized scheme.