A George III gilt-wood demi-lune pier table circa 1785

in the manner of Robert Adam, the later marble top on a fluted frieze on tapering legs with foliate carved capitals and feet, regilt

Supplied to Sir John Hussey-Delaval, later 1st Lord Delaval (1728-1808) and thence by descent.

Inventory of Household Furnishings Belonging to the Right Hon. Lord Delaval at Hanover Square House, November 7th 1783.
(Northumberland Collection Services, Seaton Delaval Papers 2 DE.31-2).

Large Room Fronting to Square '2 marble tables, Brown and white viened [sic] with stands as gilt frames'

Top in good overall condition, but with minor typical chips to edges, mainly to rear right corner. There is some later packing out beneath top so that the top sits flat. Frame joints very loose and unstable. Lotus leaf mouldings directly underneath top are loose and becoming detached. Cracks to the centre of frieze. Right rear of frieze with small detached section which has been reattached. Gilding generally worn and chipped. Losses to rear right foot.
"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."

It is likely that this table formed part of a group of furniture commissioned by Sir John Hussey-Delaval (1728-1808), created Lord Delaval in 1783 for his residence on Hanover Square which was remodelled by Robert Adam between 1781 and 1783 or Millburn, his villa at Claremont which Adam remodelled for him between 1787 nand 1790. Lord Delaval is recorded as a patron of some significant furniture makers in the 1760's. During the latter part of that decade he commissioned four cabinets, then a sofa bed and subsequently a commode from John Cobb (Northumberland Collection Services, Seaton Delaval Papers 2 DE.34-2-80). During the late 1770's after he had inherited Seaton Delaval Hall, he turned to Henry Hill of Marlborough who supplied further commodes, a wardrobe, a set of gilt cabriole chairs (op. cit. 2 DE 34-2-79). Unfortunately no correspondance survives from the 1780's when he employed Robert Adam to remodel his London town house or when he added wings to Seaton Delaval Hall. There are letters and invoices though from Brookshaw regarding Chimney pieces for the London house, also from the French cabinet makers settled in London J. Merlin and Olivier-Darciers, as well as a reference to Sefferin Nelson who carved two pedestals for this London house in 1782 at a cost of £27.