A Queen Anne burr-walnut and walnut bureau-on-stand, circa 1710

the fall-front opening to reveal a fitted interior above one long frieze drawer and six short drawers, the sides fitted with brass carrying handles

Acquired by Melyvn Rollason for the Drawing Room at Ludstone Hall, Shropshire, circa 1952;
sold Christie's London, 3 July 1997, lot 159 (£66,577)

Whitman, G. (ed.), 'Ludstone Hall, Claverley, Shropshire', The Antique Collector, London, December 1965 - January 1966, p. 238 and 241, illustrated in situ in the Drawing Room.

Overall in good restored condition and ready to place. With some small loss to the beading. The colour is slightly faded notably to the top surface. Sallow freeze drawer with restorations and replacements to veneers and feather banding. There is evidence of movement to veneers, notably on fall front and a patch repair to left side. With some replaced veneers. Some divisions to pigeon holes of the interior have been removed. The feet and back legs are are later.
"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 beautiful bureau-on-stand, with its richly figured burr veneers, was likely acquired for the Drawing Room at Ludstone Hall post 1952. The house was bought in 1939 by Melyvn Rollason, who amassed an impressive collection of furniture and works of art in keeping with the house’s Jacobean heritage. Interestingly, the present bureau is illustrated in situ in The Antique Collector, December 1965 – January 1966. However, a 1952 Country Life article on Ludstone shows the Drawing Room without the cabinet, so it would seem the present bureau-on-stand was acquired between publications.