A George II carved mahogany double-sided library writing table, mid-18th century

A George II carved mahogany double-sided library writing table, mid-18th century

The rectangular top with a crossbanded edge and inset with a gilt-tooled leather writing surface with a carved edge, the frieze to either long side with a long central drawer flanked by short drawers with gilt fluted loop handles with ruffled shell form and foliate ornamented backplates, above a scalloped stylized folate carved molding, the cabriole legs carved with shaped scrolled cartouches with foliate carving and beaded scrolls within ruffled edges, and continuing to foliate brackets supported on hairy paw feet, the underside inscribed in chalk F. Partridge

74cm. high, 153cm. wide, 92cm. deep; 2ft. 5in., 5ft., 3ft.
Provenance

The Collection of H.J. Joel, Chidwick Bury, St. Albans, Hertfordshire until sold Christie's house sale, 15 May 1978, lot 66 (illustrated in colour);
The Collection of Ogden Phipps, until sold, Property of the Estate of Ogden Phipps, Sotheby's New York, 19 October 2002, lot 62.
This writing table features opulent carvings adorning its edges, friezes, cabriole legs, and paw feet. It is potentially attributed to renowned London cabinet makers like William Hallett or William Vile. Notably, a similar table was previously in the possession of Anthony de Rothschild and is illustrated in P. Macquoid and R. Edwards, eds., The Dictionary of English Furniture, London, 1954, vol. III, p. 254, fig. 30. Furthermore, another table bearing the Partridge label was sold in these rooms on 5 July 1991, lot 90, and a third, once part of H.J. Joel’s collection, was sold at Christie’s, New York, on April 16, 2002, at lot 20.

The Joel family of England, led by three brothers, amassed wealth through diamond and gold mining in South Africa. Besides being prominent Randlords, several family members gained recognition in thoroughbred horse racing, achieving success as owners and breeders of numerous British Classic Races winners. Among them, H.J. Joel curated his collection with guidance from historian/architect Robert Wemyss Symonds. He owned a table very similar to the present one at Sefton Lodge, his racing lodge in Newmarket. Later, this table was sold along with the estate through Norman Adams, Ltd., London, and subsequently sold at Christie’s New York, 16 April 2002, lot 20.