A large George II carved mahogany library table circa 1750, attributed to Otho Channon

the rectangular leather inset top within a gadrooned moulded edge divided on each side by a single carved patera, the key-pattern applied fretwork frieze with a pair of drawers at each end, on cabriole legs with acanthus clasps to the knees and hairy claw and ball feet concealing leather and brass castors 

Sir William Courtenay, 3^rd Bt. and later 1^st Viscount Courtenay (1710 -1762) and thence by descent.

Inventory 1803, recorded as `mahogany library table with drawers', in store in the Chapel
Inventory 1835, recorded in the Library,
Inventory 1880, recorded in the Ante Room

Illustrated 'Powderham Castle II', Mark Girouard, Country Life, July 11^th 1963, Vol. CXXXIV, p. 81 in the Staircase Hall.

Good overall condition. Minor losses to the carving of two corners of the top. Small patch to mahogany edging near one corner of the top. Some losses and restorations to the applied key pattern fretwork to the frieze. Minor chips to top of one knee to edge of `ears'. One frieze drawer missing a lock. Minor old marks and scratches consistent with age. Good colour and quality, the surface of the timber is slightly cleaned. The inset to is actually inset with a faux leather not real and the table would benefit hugely from having the inset replaced.
"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."

This magnificent library table is almost definitely the 'mahogany table' supplied by Otho Channon to Sir William Courtenay, 3rd Bt. and 1st Viscount Courtenay (1710-1762) in 1751. Otho Channon, the elder brother of the more celebrated John, who supplied the renowned library cabinets (one of which is illustrated opposite behind the table) now owned by the Victoria and Albert Museum and on permanent loan to Powderham, was apprenticed to William Culme, joiner of Exeter for a consideration of £8 and in 1726. His work at Powderham, his only recorded commission, is documented in the Powderham accounts as follows;

24 March 1743  'Pd. Otho Channon in full of all demands £27. 13,'

12 October 1748  'To cash paid him in full £14. 5.'

23 August 1751  'To cash, paid him full for a mahogany table and chairs £33. 10.'

Some of these payments may also correspond to his work in the furnishing of the Library at Powderham between 1739 and 1746 where it has been suggested by C.Gilbert and G. Beard in The Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, 1986, p. 156, that he may have been responsible for the chimney piece in the Library (now the State Bedroom). The pair of large cabinets (also included in this sale as lot 53) would appear to be by the same hand as the chimney and may also be the work of Otho Channon.

The current table strongly utilises the bold architectural motifs favoured by William Kent and Inigo Jones. The Greek key freize is evidenced in many designs by these key figures, see Peter Ward-Jackson, English Furniture Designs of the Eighteenth Century, London, 1958, pl. 15. It is also worth comparing the work of Benjamin Goodison, a cabinet maker who worked alongside Kent. Goodison was an exponent of bold details including the Greek key border. See a pair of commodes made for Sir Thomas Robinson from c.1740 (now in the Royal Collection) attributed to Goodison which feature a similar frieze and the same hairy claw and ball feet.

For another table of large proportions which also features extraordinary carved hairy feet, see the great table in the boardroom at the Treasury in Whitehall, designed by William Kent and supplied by Robert Sapp, upholsterer, in 1740.

A tea table with similarly conceived frieze to the current lot was sold, Property from a Sutton Square Residence, Christies New York, 18 October 2005, lot 19.