Beschreibung:

A Regency rosewood and brass marquetry Davenport, circa 1815, in the manner of Gillows, the sliding top with three quarter gallery above a gilt tooled leather inset writing surface opening to reveal small fitted drawers and shelves, the pedestal with four drawers opposed by four false drawers, on turned and reeded feet and brass casters, 93cm high, 51cm wide, 58cm deep Provenance: Property from a deceased estate, London The brass marquetry on the present Davenport relates both in quality and style to a group of inlaid rosewood or 'Buhl' furniture associated with the leading Lancaster and London cabinet-makers Gillows. This includes a library desk supplied by the Gillows London branch in 1813 to William Powlwtt, 2nd Baron Bolton (1782-1850) for Hackwood Park, sold Christie's London, 20-22 April, lot 21, (see Susan E. Stuart, Gillows of London and Lancaster, 2008, p.289, pl. 306). Other notable commissions by the firm are a set of chairs with brass inlay of a similar character, for the Egerton family at Tatton Hall, illustrated Susan E. Stuart op. cit., pl. 203 and a library table comissioned by Sir John Hayford Thorold for Syston Park, sold Bonhams London, 'The Bracewell Collection of Gillows Furniture', 16 July 2008, lot 12. Further related items of furniture which can confidentley be attributed to the same makers are a library table sold Tennants, 13 April 2006, lot 1371, illustrated Susan E. Stuart ibid, pl. 308 and a Regency rosewood side cabinet and with strikingly similar premiere and Contre partie brass marquetry door panels sold Sworders, 29 November 2011, lot 982. Interestingly a rare example of a French 19th century ebonized and tortoiseshell Boulle Davenport sold Bonhams London, 15 December 2011, lot 123 (£15,000 including premium) In addition to the aformentioned commissions, Gillows Oxford Street showroom, produced Drawing Room plans featuring brass inlaid furniture designs (see Frances Collard, Regency Furniture, 1987, p.138). Other leading London Cabinet-makers specialising in 'Buhl' furniture were Thomas Parker of 19 Air street, George Bullock who set up premises in 'The Grecian Rooms' Piccadilly in 1812 and Constantin Le Gaigneur (active 1814-1821) who was patronised by the Prince Regent. It remains a matter of conjecture as to whether any of the latter three firms played a role in supplying Gillows with 'Buhl' brass inlay (see Susan E. Stuart, ibid., p.290). Condition report disclaimer