England, 19th century

oak banded with pollarded oak, the pair of frieze drawers opposing dummy draws

Jonathan Harris, London, 3 October 1987

Hugh Casson, Deanery Garden, World of Interiors, November 1987, p.214, illustrated in the Study

This table is lovely quality. The top is of a slightly faded appearance. There are old marks and scratches throughout. There is evidence of worm to the underside and this may need to be treated.
"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 bold library table brilliantly articulates the taste for the 'Gothic' style in the first quarter of the 19th century. The Gothic Revival in English furniture design first took root in the mid-18th century, essentially as a native variant of the Rocco style, with a whimsical and decorative interest. It culminated in the Victorian period with the elaborate work of A. W. N. Pugin (1812 –1852) who grounded his deigns on medieval precedents, and later, with the more fanciful pieces of William Burges (1827 – 1881). The present lot relates to the designs which flourished during the reign of George IV (r. 1820-1830), displaying a more severe and restrained interpretation of the ‘Gothic', and drawing influence from the work of Sir Jeffry Wyattville (1766 – 1840) at Windsor Castle, himself an ardent supporter of Gothic revivalist architecture and design.