A George III painted satinwood and marquetry Pembroke table, circa 1770, almost certainly by Henry Hill of Marlborough

Probably supplied to Arabella Calley (dates) by Henry Hill for Burderop Park, Wiltshire circa 1771;
Thence by descent until sold Humbert, Flint, Rawlence & Squarey, 20-22 May 1974, lot 802;
with M. Harris & Sons, 1975.

Lucy Wood, Catalogue of Commodes, London, 1994, p. 67, fig. 47.

In good restored condition and ready to place. Surface re-polished and ebonised edge with rubbing. One flap bowed slightly. Evidence of small restorations to marquetry and chequered. Legs possibly re-decorated. Restored break to one leg. Evidence of old worm which is no longer active. A high quality piece.
"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 distinctive Pembroke table displays all the hallmarks of cabinet-maker Henry Hill of Marlborough and was probably purchased by Arabella Calley for Burdeop Park, Wiltshire in the 1770s. Calley was a frequent patron of Hill from 1771 until his death (Wood, op. cit., p. 67). Another table of identical serpentine form was supplied to Corsham Court, Wiltshire and also veneered with large-scale lozenge parquetry, which Lucy Wood notes ‘seems to have been a speciality of Hill’s, with or without the addition of marquetry’ (Wood, op. cit., p.68).

Henry Hill was a cabinet-maker, estate agent, auctioneer and representative of the Sun Insurance Company who split his time between London and the fashionable town of Bath. His known commissions for furniture came from landed Wiltshire families (the Duke of Somerset at Maiden Bradley and Henry Hoare at Stourhead were other local clients), although one notable metropolitan commission came from Lord Delaval for his London townhouse in 1775/6.

A Pembroke table of similar form with kingwood parquetry was sold Sotheby’s New York, Kentshire: A Legendary Collection, 18 October 2014, lot 318 ($31,250).