George III Chippendale period mahogany side table

Stock Code: 2197

Description: A superb and simply elegant George III mahogany side table possibly by Thomas Chippendale or Wright and Elwick of Wakefield. The well figured rectangular top with applied moulded edge, below a single long, oak lined, cock-beaded drawer to the front, fitted with original rococo style gilt brass handles of a time often used by Thomas Chippendale. The lower part of the frieze with a crisply carved chained beaded edge to three sides. The table is supported by square section tapering legs, with C-scroll brackets to the hips and square section block feet. Of superb quality throughout, a fact which enhances the tables, simple and elegant lines.

Further Information: Thomas Chippendale?s workshop was producing contemporarily with Wright and Elwicks in Wakefield in the mid 18th century. At this period they both made furniture of a similar inspiration and design. On this piece the high quality and elegant design shines through. It is highly likely that it is from the workshops of one of these fine makers.

Thomas Chippendale senior was born in Otley, the small market town in the Yorkshire dales, and was baptised in the parish church there on 5th June 1718. Chippendale probably worked as a journeyman cabinet maker and freelance designer before embarking on his great project, the publication of his lavish book The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker?s Director. This appeared in 1754 and illustrated 161 engraved plates of ?Elegant and Useful Designs of Household Furniture in the Gothic, Chinese and Modern Taste?. It was almost immediately sold out and was reprinted in a second edition the following year. A third edition, with many new plates, appeared in 1762. In the same year as the publication of the Director in 1754 Chippendale acquired new premises at 60 ? 62 St Martin?s Lane, in the heart of the fashionable shopping area of London. For the next 60 years all his clients? furniture emerged from this address until 1813 when his talented son, who had inherited the business, was finally ejected following his bankruptcy.

The Wakefield based partnership between Richard Wright & Edward Elwick lasted between 1747-1771 and was the most prominent in Yorkshire in the second half of the 18th century with the same levels of patronage within the county that Gillows was to develop within Lancashire. Their list of patrons was indeed lengthy and distinguished and included the likes of Sir Rowland Winn at Nostell Priory, the Duke of Norfolk at Worksop Manor, Viscount Irwin at Temple Newsam House, John Spencer at Cannon Hall and most notably, the Marquis of Rockingham at Wentworth Woodhouse. They almost certainly subscribed to Chippendales "Director" and many of there work was of similar design and quality to Chippendale's own.

Condition: Excellent. Possible minor old restorations, waxing.

Country of Origin: England

Origin/Age: English, George III, circa 1760

Provenance: Donnington Castle House, Donnington, Berkshire

Maker: Possibly by Thomas Chippendale or Wright and Elwick of Wakefield

Dimensions: Height 34.50 inches (87.63cm) Width 38.00 inches (96.52cm) Depth 29.00 inches (73.66cm)

Price: £15,900

Price: ¥

Price: €

Price: $