A pair of George III parcel-gilt, tulipwood, amaranth, mahogany and marquetry pedestals circa 1775, attributed to Mayhew and Ince

re-gilded

Possibly acquired by Isabella Shepheard, Marchioness of Hertford (d.1834) for Temple Newsam House, Leeds.

Thence by descent at Temple Newsam House and subsequently, Hoar Cross Hall, Staffordshire until sold, Property of the Trustees of the Late Nicholas Meynell, Esq., Christie's London, 15 April 1999, lot 34.

Gareth Evans, Hoar Cross Hall, 1994, pp. 46 and 161, illustrated in situ in the Dining Room circa 1900 and 1950.

Good overall condition. The plinths later. The tops unfinished and possibly originally with marble slabs. Repolished finish. Minor wear to gilding. Some old marks and scratches consistent with age and use. Good conistent colour throughout to the veneers and marquetry.
"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 present pedestals feature marquetry which closely relates to that produced by the leading 18th century London cabinet-makers,  Ince and Mayhew. In particular, the distinctive satyr mask on the front panel is very similar to those found on a group of furniture associated with this firm (see Lucy Wood, Catalogue of Commodes, 1994, no. 27, pp. 226-235). This includes a wine cooler at Stourhead, Wiltshire (see Ralph Edwards, Dictionary of English Furniture, 1954, Vol. III, fig. 10, p. 374); a commode sold from the collection of Lord Leverhulme at the Anderson Galleries in New York, 9^th-13^th February 1926, lot 290 (subsequently sold, Sotheby's London, English Furniture, 1^st May 1987, lot 89);  a commode sold Christie's London, 50 Years of Collecting, 14 May 2003, lot 20 and a tulipwood and marquetry oval centre table, with provenance from Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire, sold Christie's London, The Estate of His Royal Highness the Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, KG., KT., KP., 26-27 January 2006, lot 251.

The form of these pedestals also relates to a marquetry `Term for Bust's, etc.' illustrated in A. Hepplewhite & Co. The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Guide, 1788, pl. 120 and a another drawing for a maquetry pedestal by John Linnell, preserved in the collection of The Victoria and Albert Museum (see Helena Hayward `The Drawings of John Linnell in the Victoria and Albert Museum', Furniture History, 1969, fig. 71).