A Victorian parcel-gilt, inlaid mahogany partner's desk circa 1880

in the manner of Thomas Chippendale, in Neo-classical style, the inverted bowfront top with rounded ends and a later tooled leather top and a flower and ribbon carved edge, above three drawers to each side inlaid with urns linked by garlands of husks and foliate scrolls, above twin pedestals with a cupboard door ornamented with a carved patera within a fan and ribbon border within scrolling foliage, enclosing three drawers to one side and a cupboard to the other, the ends with an inlaid central urn withina carved giltwood ribbon border and inlaid husks and scrolling foliage, on plinths, with a label for WESTING EVANS 7 EGMORE INC/ PHILADELPHIA PENNA

Generally this piece is in extremely good condition. The leather has been newly replaced and is in good condition. There are some minor veneer losses particualrly to the frieze beneath one central drawer and around the plinth. Both ends have minor age cracks. All doors have had repairs along the inner edge adjacent to the hinges. The colour and patination is good. 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 form of this desk relates to a design by Thomas Chippendale in 'The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker`s Director', 3rd Edition, 1763, pl.LXXXII for a Library Table, (see illustration).

The present desk is clearly strongly influenced by Thomas Chippendale and in particular to the celebrated desk made by him for Harewood House, Yorkshire, illustrated in Christopher Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, 1978, pp.242, now in the Temple Newsam collection in Leeds, (see illustration). In particular, the ends with paterae motifs and the foliate sprays on the present lot are of very similar form to this desk.  Elements in the present lot can also be seen in other Harewood furniture, such as the patera on the front of each pedestal door, seen on a pair of pedestals made for the dining room, illustrated Christopher Gilbert, ante.