A pair of Victorian satinwood and parquetry side tables by Donald Ross circa 1880

applied with gilt-bronze mounts and with overall dot and trellis inlaid decoration, the frieze drawers on square tapering legs with undertiers, table stamped EDWARDS & ROBERTS

The Times, October 22nd, 1960. Nineteenth Century European Furniture, Payne (1981 ed.) p. 315

These are a matched pair of tables. There are differences to the dimensions, mounts and inlay. The condition of both is generally good and they are extremely decorative. Table 1: The veneers are rather uneven and lifting slightly on top. The border has been patched on the right hand side and there are areas of filler. The mounts could benefit from cleaning. There are some age cracks to the frieze and old marks and scratches throughout consistent with age. Table 2: The top has some age cracks and is slightly `creased'. The panels at the top of each leg are cracked. Very good overall condition, some minor staining to the mounts. To discuss this lot in greater detail please call Edward Rising or David Macdonald on 0207 293 5107 or 0207 293 5507.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The London firm of Donald Ross had premises at 13 Denmark Square, Soho during the third quarter of the 19th century. Ross appears to have made a speciality of the 'dotted marquetry trellis' popularised by Garnier and Sené in 18th century Paris. The firm exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London.

Edwards and Roberts were among the foremost English cabinet makers and importers of fine furniture of the second half of the 19th century. Founded in 1845, the firm rapidly expanded and by 1854 was trading as "Edwards and Roberts, 21 Wardour Street, Antique and Modern Cabinet Makers and Importers of Ancient Furniture".  The firm produced furniture of modern design, as well as copies of 18th and early 19th century French and English pieces, also restoring and dealing in genuine examples of this kind. By 1892, Edwards and Roberts had taken additional premises in more than a dozen buildings in Wardour Street and the surrounding neighbourhood, continuing to trade until the end of the century.

It is probable that Donald Ross also supplied works for the London and Lancaster firm of Gillow (c.f: a pair of tables ambulante, one stamped Gillows, with a similar trellis sold by Sotheby's, these rooms, November 3rd, 1989, lot 412).