A GEORGE II MAHOGANY LIBRARY TABLE ATTRIBUTED TO WILLIAM HALLETT

Note: The library table retains the original gold tooled Morocco leather, all the original locks and lifting handles and virtually all the original drawer handles with two replacements. The concealed castors are of later date. The table has acquired outstanding colour and patination.
This early type of pedestal desk or library table with its arched kneehole recess follows William Kent’s architectural style in furniture. Hallett supplied a very similar writing table to Charles Ingram, 9th Viscount of Irvine, (1727–1778) for either for his London home or Temple Newsam, Yorkshire. Further tables of this type were supplied to Badminton House, Gloucestershire, and Cannon Hall, Yorkshire.
The table has the same drawer formation on both sides. It is constructed as one piece: later versions would be made in three sections for ease of transport before being assembled at their destination.