A George II giltwood marble top console table, together with a later copy

Re-gilt.

Overall very good restored condition; re-gilt; overall with minor wear to gilding with very minor chips to gilding in places; the marble tops in good condition with minor scratches and with minor wear to edges.
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 present table relates to the whimsical designs for pier tables by Thomas Johnson, illustrated in his Collection of Designs, 1758. Almost certainly conceived as a pier table, the present table would have had a mirror above in a matching style. It exhibits all the liveliness and novelty that is associated with Johnson, who is celebrated for his remarkable imagination and eccentricity.  Thomas Johnson was described in Mortimer's Universal Director, 1763, as 'Carver, Teacher of Drawings and Modelling and Author of a Book of Designs for Chimney Pieces and other ornaments, and of several other pieces.'  Together with Matthias Lock and Thomas Chippendale, he has been considered as one of the great interpreters of the English Rococo.