A REGENCY MAHOGANY TWIN-PEDESTAL DESK, EARLY 19TH CENTURY, IN THE MANNER OF THOMAS HOPE |

with horizontal bands of ebonised embossed floral mouldings, the leather-lined top above a drawer enclosing a leather-lined writing slope/slide concealing quadrant swinging compartments within pylon shaped pedestals with ebonised palmette carved antefixae fitted with cupboards and opposing sides with five small drawers enclosed by doors, the lower sections with opposed sets of three ebony strung drawers on a moulded incurved plinth

With H. Blairman & Sons Ltd;
Possibly acquired by Sir Thomas Fermor-Hesketh, 8th Bt., later 1st Lord Hesketh (1881-1944) or Frederick Fermor-Hesketh, 2nd Baron Hesketh DL (1916-1955);
thence by descent.

M. Jourdain and F. Rose, English Furniture: The Georgian Period 1750-1830, London, 1953, figs. 20 (detail) and 105;
C. Musgrave, Regency Furniture: 1800 to 1830, London, 1961, pl. 19. RELATED LITERATURE:

T. Hope, Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, 1807, pl. XI, fig. 1

In 'country house' condition and would benefit from remedial attention. The desk is untouched but dry with large shrinkage splits running through all surfaces, missing and lifting mouldings and missing stringing. The surface is original and the colour is faded from exposure to sunlight. Possibly original leather in need of reviving and patching. All locks appear in good working order. With four keys. Gallery inspection recommended. Superb quality.
"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 exceptional mahogany pedestal desk betrays the influence Thomas Hope (d. 1831), the celebrated arbiter of early Regency taste. The form relates to a ‘large library or writing-table’ in Hope’s seminal publication Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, 1807, pl. XI, fig. 1, in which he explains that the distinctive antefixae adorned pediments recall the ‘shape of ancient Greek house roofs’. Hope was of wealthy Amsterdam banking stock and was a great collector and patron. He became a great promoter of the 'Goût Grec' 'following his grand tour of 1787-1795 which imbued him with the 'Spirit of Corinth and Athens'. His house in Duchess Street open to serious art collectors was witness to this passion and was much admired and had a profound influence on taste in 19th century.