A pair of George III painted side tables, by François Hervé circa 1783 and adapted from a single table

converted from one table, with simulated marble tops above an inverted breakfront base on fluted tapering legs surmounted by convex leaf carved capitols, both with pencil manuscript inscription to the underside of the top D Room

Ordered by William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire (1748-1811)  for the Dining Room at Chatsworth and altered from one large table to two smaller on the instructions of the 6th Duke of Devonshire (1790-1858)

Ivan Hall, 'A neoclassical episode at Chatsworth', The Burlington Magazine, June 1980

An interesting and very decorative pair of tables. The tops have damage to the painted decoration where labels have been removed. They also have slightly warped tops with great deal of old scratches and marks. Both tables have scratches and wear with surface dirt throughout.
"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."

These striking tables were converted from one large side table, which had originally been designed by François Hervé. The 6th Duke commissioned this alteration to create a pair of washstands at some point in the 1840s.

The late 18th century Dining Room at Chatsworth was strikingly all painted in white and predominately displayed white painted furniture. This was an example of the 5th Duke and Duchesses' extremely avant guard taste, a taste that did not please the next generation. The 6th Duke radically altered the decoration of the room into its present form aided by Sir Jeffry Wyatville. During the 5th Duke's period William Talman's original panelling and doric pilasters were painted white and served as a background to Hervé's set of six white painted frames which supported 'dove grey marble tops' and which these, and the subsequent Lot, formed a part. Walter Wilson is recorded as supplying a white Wilton carpet to complete this decorative scheme. See Ivan Hall, 'A neoclassical episode at Chatsworth', The Burlington Magazine, June 1980, p. 413