A late George III boxwood and ebony strung mahogany and rosewood banded sofa table, early 19th century, attributed to Gillows

This lot contains ivory and other restricted materials. Sotheby's recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid. For example, US regulations restrictor prohibits the import of certain items (including ivory) to protect wildlife conservation. Please note that Sotheby's will not assist buyers with CITES licence applications where a buyer elects to either collect or arrange their own shipping, nor will Sotheby's assist with the international movement of ivory by air, either as freight or through hand carry. Sotheby's shipping will only assist in shipping the lot to either domestic UK or EU destinations, where delivery is made by road transport. Please note that CITES licences are required for the export of any restricted species from the UK, including to EU countries. A buyer's inability to export or import these lots cannot justify a delay in payment or sale cancellation.

Probably John Christian Curwen (1756–1828) for Workington Hall, Cumbria;
Thence by descent.

Inventory of the contents of Workington Hall, made by Messrs J R Mitchell and Sons, auctioneers & valuers of Cockermouth, March 1930, probably the 'Sofa Table with two drawers' listed in the Sitting Room, p. 9 (Cumbria Archives, DCU/1/217).

Interestingly, a 'Tamarind wood sofa table with reeded Claws & Castors' was supplied to John Christian Curwen in October 1804 at a cost of £12. 12s. 0d. For a similar example see the pair of rosewood sofa tables supplied to Stephen Tempest of Broughton Hall in 1803 and illustrated Susan E. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London, 1730-1840, 2008, Antique Collectors' Club, 2008, Vol. I, p. 264, Pl. 268.