THE JOHN MILLS WRITING TABLE, English, circa 1800
Height: 30 ¾ in; 78 cm
Width: 68 ¾ in; 174.5 cm
Depth: 38 ¼ in; 97.5 cm
Kneehole:
Height: 24 in; 61 cm
Width: 31 in; 78.5 cm
Further images
A George III mahogany and brass mounted centre writing table.
Note: Brass socket castors are of later date.
An outstanding quality early 19th century mahogany and brass mounted writing table, retaining the original gilt tooled green Morocco leather insert, crossbanded with mahogany and having protruding corners edged with a chased gold lacquered brass moulding above a wide central drawer with kneehole below, flanked by two smaller drawers to each side and having the same arrangement on the opposing side, all with original finely chased and gold lacquered brass pearled mouldings and original decorated knobs; on four turned tapering legs with ribbed brass decoration, moulded and milled collar and brass fluting inlay, terminating in brass socket castors.
This writing table is conceived in the French taste, but is of English manufacture and executed to the highest standard. This is emphasised by the use of exceptional quality brasswork decoration, as well as superior quality locks, all still retaining their hand cut screws. The drawers are constructed of mahogany and cedarwood, which was only used for the best furniture at the time.
Provenance
Burley-on-the-Hill, Rutland, England;
Sir John Mills (1908-2005)
Literature
Illustrated:
Country Life photograph in situ at Burley-on-the-Hill.