- 311
A George IV parcel-gilt and purpleheart inlaid birdseye maple center table in the manner of Morel & Seddon, circa 1830
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- gilding, ebony, wood
- height 30½ in.; width 84 in.; depth 41¼ in
- 77 cm; 214 cm; 104 cm
Provenance
Littlecote House, Hungerford, Wiltshire;
Littlecote House, Sotheby's Wiltshire, November 21, 1985, vol. I, lot 763
Acquired from the above sale by A. Alfred Taubman
Littlecote House, Sotheby's Wiltshire, November 21, 1985, vol. I, lot 763
Acquired from the above sale by A. Alfred Taubman
Condition
Generous proportions and beautiful use of birdseye maple veneer. There are several losses to the veneer at the corners and at the feet. One of the rosettes on one side of the base is lacking. Rubbing and wear to gilding; some re-gilding and some gold inpaint. Scattered chips to carving and various losses. Top in fine condition with some small patches to marquetry border and surface scratches. Some age cracks, one to top with butterfly joins.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
There is a group of similar, exquisitely inlaid figured maple furniture in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle, England. The suite at the Castle is by Morel & Seddon and features comparable, delicately cut scrolling foliage in purpleheart and was commissioned in 1828 by George IV. See Hugh Roberts, For the Kings Pleasure, London, 2001, pp. 309-311.
The use of parcel-gilt decoration to heighten the effect of carved details contrasted against exotic timbers and finely executed inlay were all hallmarks of the royal cabinet makers, Morel and Seddon. George IV instructed Nicholas Morel (fl. 1790-1830) to start work at Windsor Castle in 1825, which was then being extensively re-modeled by Sir Jeffry Wyatville. Less than a year later, Morel dissolved his existing partnership with Robert Hughes to form one with George Seddon (1769-1857), who owned one of the largest cabinet-making businesses in London, in order to complete this extravagant royal commission.
The use of parcel-gilt decoration to heighten the effect of carved details contrasted against exotic timbers and finely executed inlay were all hallmarks of the royal cabinet makers, Morel and Seddon. George IV instructed Nicholas Morel (fl. 1790-1830) to start work at Windsor Castle in 1825, which was then being extensively re-modeled by Sir Jeffry Wyatville. Less than a year later, Morel dissolved his existing partnership with Robert Hughes to form one with George Seddon (1769-1857), who owned one of the largest cabinet-making businesses in London, in order to complete this extravagant royal commission.