A Regency brass mounted rosewood and parcel-gilt bonheur-du-jour attributed to John McLean, circa 1810

the grille gallery superstructure, above two cedar lined drawers, the hinged top with leather lined writing surface over a further frieze drawer, fitted with a pen drawer on slendour ring turned tappering legs joined by an undertier with brass caps and castors, the reverse finished with dummy drawers, now lacking handles and escutcheons

Private Collection, USA;
Mallett Antiques, London, 8th January 2003.

Simon Redburn, 'John McLean and Son', Furniture History, 1978, vol. XIV, pp 31-37;
Mallett, The Age of Matthew Boulton: Masterpieces of Neo-classicism, London, 2003, pp.97-98.

Overall in very good condition. Small loss of veneer to front right corner of the top. Small losses of lime inlay and some discoloration to polish on legs. Gilt highlights have been re-done and the replaced leather writing surface has been worn and torn in the fold as to be expected.
"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 bonheur du jour can be attributed to the workshops of John McLean and Son (1770-1825), its design and gilt metal ornament conforming in design and execution to other similar labelled examples, like the one sold in these rooms,12 November 1982, lot 84. Several examples illustrated in Simon Redburn, 'John McLean and Son', Furniture History, 1978, vol. XIV, pp. 31-37, show evident design similarities, namely in the distinctive grilles on the superstructure, the ribbed and moulded panels, the turned and collared legs and the combination of the rosewood with gilt brass veneers in the French taste.

Having workshops in Upper Marylebone High Street from 1783 to 1825, John Mclean seems to have had a broad operation, supplying patrons such as the Earl of Jersey at Middleton Park, Oxfordshire, and Edward Lascelles for Harewood House. Sheraton praised his work for its finish in “the Neatest manner” in the Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Drawing Book, 1793, where this type of hinged-top desk with leather-lined interior and cartonnier with shelves and drawers, was entitled 'Lady's Cabinet and Writing Table'.