Lot 217
  • 217

A carved walnut and inlaid pietre dure table circa 1850-1860, the top Italian, the base possibly by J. G. Crace

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • walnut, and marble
  • 82cm. high, 72cm. wide; 2ft. 8¼in., 2ft. 4¼in.
in Gothic style, the octagonal black marble inset top including a porphyry border, the supports with concealed castors

Condition

Good overall condition. Minor old marks and scratches including rubbing to marble top. Some inevitable slight shrinkage to construction joins. Good colour and patina
"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."

Catalogue Note

The form of the present table relates to designs for tables by the celebrated architect and designer A.W.N. Pugin (1812-1852). He was the foremost advocate of Gothic Revival design in England in the second quarter of 19th century. His career began at the unusually early age of 15 when he designed furniture for Windsor Castle.

Working with the architect Charles Barry, Pugin and the decorating firm of J.G. Crace were responsible for the interior decoration of the New Palace of Westminster, rebuilt in the second half of the 1840s, after a fire in 1834 destroyed the medieval palace. Amongst other  major projects which he worked on in conjuction with Crace was  also Eastnor Castle.

The carving on the present table is typical of Pugin`s designs and can be seen in furniture designed by him for the Houses of Parliament. For comparison see M.H.Port, The Houses of Parliament, 1976, pl.192 which illustrates a tracing of Pugin`s original designs for dining room and library furniture. For further comparison see also Paul Atterbury & Clive Wainwright, Pugin, A Gothic Passion, 1994, pl. 253 and 254 which illustrate two tables from the Eastnor castle project which have similar carving to the present lot on the base.

The firm of Crace continued to produce furniture after the death of Pugin which clearly shows his influence and it is possible that the present table could have been produced by them. The Illustrated London News shows a table of strikingly similar form which was exhibited on their stand at The International Exhibition in London in 1862, illus. Megan Aldrich, The Craces, Royal Decorators, 1768-1899, p.103.