A George III mahogany secrétaire cabinet circa 1800

the doors enclosing slides, the central sécretaire drawer with a fitted interior, the lower enclosing four small drawers and two long drawers

Supplied to William, 3rd Viscount Courtenay, later 9th Earl of Devon (1768-1835) and thence by descent.

Inventory 1835, recorded in the Bedroom
Inventory 1880, recorded in either the West Dressing Room as `Secretary and Bookcase', or in Bedroom No. 7 as `Mahogany Wardrobe with Secretary'

Illustrated 'Powderham Castle III', Mark Girouard, Country Life, July 18^th 1963, Vol. CXXXIV, p. 142 in the Sate Bedroom.

Fairly good overall condition. The moulding is chipped on the right hand side and there is a section of moulding missing from the right hand edge of the drawer. Age cracks and shrinkage to top and lower doors. Both lower doors lacking beading on top edge. Veneer losses to plinths and scratches on right hand side of the plinth. The left side of the wardrobe has an usually thick gauge - however the piece has integrity and this quirk whilst unusual is from when the piece was made. Minor old marks and scratches throughout consistent with age and use. Despite the piece being in 'Country House' condition it will be a good thing after workshop attention and it is of good quality. The secretaire cabinet is more faded than the wardrobe in the proceeding lot.
"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 superb quality of this secrétaire cabinet and the wardrobe ensuite (lot 113) point to them being the work of a cabinet maker of some standing. The mahogany is finely figured and well chosen and the brass fittings and mounts of a high quality. It is highly likely that they may well have formed part of the overall decorative scheme for a room, probably the State Bedroom, from where this secrétaire cabinet comes.

There is a drawing from around 1800, by Henry Holland, of a wardrobe which is worth comparison. The sketch features a piece which has the same elongated upper panels and square lower panels, 'panelled' uprights, plinth base and moulded cornice. See Peter Ward-Jackson, English Furmiture Designs of the 18th century, London, 1984, pl. 300.

Interestingly, Henry Holland collabrated with Marsh and Tatham on a number of commissions notably at Southhill Park in Bedfordshire, in fact Tatham's brother, Charles Heathcote Tatham worked as an architect in Hollands office. There is an account in the Powderham archives for 'Messrs. Elward, Marsh and Tatham of Mount Street, Upholsterers' Work done for his Lordship in the Years 1797, 1798, 1799' totalling £3000.