A Regency mahogany and cast-iron centre table circa 1820

the moulded top above three drawers to each side, on cast iron supports to each end joined by a stretcher

By repute originally The Bank of England, Threadneedle Street, London.

Subsequently a Private Collection, Australia

Good general condition. Re-finished top. Stretcher possibly associated. Two drawers with Bramah type locks.
"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."

Rapid technological advances made at the end of of the 18th century and beginning of the 19th century in the production of cast-iron made it a popular material for all manner of items including furniture. Only a few great artists however supplied the foundries that sprang up, with drawings and recognised the potential of the material. In the early part of the 19th century, William Bullock, the brother of George Bullock, was known to have used the material. The design of the end supports of the present table reflects the popular taste for Grecian style furniture promoted by the designs of Thomas Hope and George Smith in the early 19th century.

The Bank of England building evolved through several distinct phases. The Bank of England was founded in 1694 but not until 1734 did it have its own purpose-built headquarters. The first Bank of England was built by George Sampson from 1732 to 34, on the site of a town house of a former Bank of England Governor. The Bank began preparing for a further expansion almost immediately after Sampson's building was completed. In 1764 Robert Taylor was appointed as the Bank's next architect and he continued to develop and expand the site until his death in 1788. He was succeeded by Sir John Soane. Soane was surveyor to the Bank of England for 45 years, from 1788 to 1833. During his tenure, he added two extensions and replaced nearly every room, more than doubling the building's area to spread across 3 ¼ acres.The style of this major re-building of the bank was a Grecian style. He continued working on the Bank until his retirement in 1833. The design of the end supports of the present table clearly shows this Grecian influence suggesting that it was introduced to the bank during the periods of Soane`s involvement.