Dreweatts 1759
Lot 110
A CARVED AND WHITE PAINTED CONSOLE TABLE PROBABLY GEORGE III, MID 18TH CENTURY, IN THE MANNER OF MATTHIAS LOCK The rectangular Brocatello marble top above a pierced frieze of foliage, C-scrolls, and trellis, the cabriole legs carved with flower garlands and with foliate and block feet, redecorated, the marble replaced 86cm high, 141cm wide, 67cm deep The table relates to patterns by Matthias Lock, in particular, plate 5, as published in Six Tables (1746). Along with his other publications, these designs epitomise the advanced early rococo style of English furniture, some ten years before Chippendale's first edition (M. Heckscher, 'Lock and Copland: A Catalogue of the Engraved Ornament', Furniture History, vol. 15, 1979, plate 9). Several designs by Chippendale, for example in his Director, 3rd ed. 1763, pl. CLXXV and by Messrs Ince and Mayhew pattern book Universal System of Household Furniture, 1762, pls. LXXIII and LXXIV, served to popularise the pattern, called 'frames for marble slabs' or simply `slab frames'. Lock, of Long Acre, London, was one of the outstanding carvers and designers in the rococo style, and was acclaimed by the upholder James Cullen as 'reputed the best draftsman in that way that had ever been in England'. The first of his several published works was issued in 1740, he collaborated with Henry Copland in 1752, and then apparently worked in some form of partnership with Thomas Chippendale. Many of Lock's designs, including furniture for Earl Poulet at Hinton House, Dorset, are preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London and in the Metropolitan Museum, New York. Condition Report: Good, structurally secure with wear and tear consistent with age and use. The catalogue illustration is accurate. The table has been previously stripped and freely white-painted. In places where the white paint has chipped the pine carcase wood looks grey and dry consistent with stripping. There are minor small chips and repairs to the carving including glued repairs to the central cartouche. There is a section of moulding loose to the front left foot. The marble top is associated but with some age, it is about 5cm too shallow, a strip of wood simulated as marble has been attached to the back edge of the table to make up the shortfall. While the table has the design and spirit of the 18th century, it might be noted that the construction of frieze and legs is unconventional but with the amount of white paint used it is not possible to be entirely confident in the dating. Condition Report Disclaimer