A George IV rosewood dining or centre table circa 1825, attributed to Gillows of Lancaster

the circular tilt-top with a gadroon-carved edge, on a leaf-carved baluster column and tripod base carved with stylised shell and anthemion motifs, on ball and claw feet

Nidd Hall, Harrogate, Yorkshire

Good general condition. Superb quality. Some age cracks to the top. Some minor chips to the edge of the top. Some minor age cracks to the base of the support to the column. For further information on this Lot, please contact the English Furniture Department on 00 44 (0) 207 293-5470.
"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 pronounced gadrooning to the top used in conjunction with the acanthus leaf carving to the pillar and shell motifs to the supports are hallmarks of the leading London and Lancaster furniture-manufacturers, Gillows. This stylistically based attribution is further supported by the exceptional quality of cabinet-making combined with the liberal use of well-figured Brazilian rosewood demonstrated on the present lot, both characteristics typical of Gillows output during the second quarter of the 19th century.  However the unusual talon feet featured on the tripod supports here, are rarely paralleled on English furniture of this period and may constitute a reference to18th century American or Irish prototypes of the Chippendale period. A George II carved mahogany dumb waiter featuring similar feet, of possibly Irish origin is recorded in the collection of Percival D. Griffiths (See R.W. Symonds, English Furniture from Charles II to George II, London, 1929, p. 196, fig. 202)

An example of this type of talon foot can be seen on a brown and pollard oak chair made by Gillows for Beriah Botsfield of Norton Hall, Daventry, Northampshire, which will be illustrated, pls. GG15 and GG16 in Susan Stuarts forthcoming book on Gillows