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Circa 1765 George III period Gentleman’s Library Writing Table Chest, English. Folio stand or drawing stand rising writing surface. Each side with 14 drawers surrounding a paneled door revealing 8 collector drawers (28 drawers & 16 collector drawers total). Raised on a cut-out plinth base with original wooden casters (one replaced). Retaining all original hardware – bail & rosette pulls & batwing side handles. The front drawer & blind-diamond lattice design carved fretwork pilaster supports slide forward for the adjustable leathered writing surface to lift and revealing a concealed integral swing out ink drawer to the right side. Double rising top allows for various configurations & heights, double removable reading rails on the top surface. Cuban mahogany solids, some mahogany veneer, with oak secondary throughout, indicative or London & Edinburgh makers, as well as Gillows of Lancaster. Attribution: while the esteemed J. Collins & Son attributed this to Gillows, an attribution to Edinburgh is equally plausible, give the extensive use of solid mahogany (London favored veneers & applied moldings). Chippendale begins showing the form in 1753 in a large desk style. Gillows & Chippendale documents show these were for the wealthiest clients with significant libraries to warrant such a piece. Provenance: The Dr. John Fryer Collection, London & Chapel Hill, from J. Collins & Son, John & Pamela Biggs, CINOA, BADA & LAPADA, June 11, 1999 for £85,000. Some rippling of the veneers on the body/chest surface – only visible when the top is up.  Condition commensurate with age and use.

40.5″ w., 27.5″ d., 30.5″ h.

Extends to 47″ deep and 58.5″ high.

Circa 1765 George III period Gentleman’s Library Writing Table Chest, English. Folio stand or drawing stand rising writing surface. Each side with 14 drawers surrounding a paneled door revealing 8 collector drawers (28 drawers & 16 collector drawers total). Raised on a cut-out plinth base with original wooden casters (one replaced). Retaining all original hardware – bail & rosette pulls & batwing side handles. The front drawer & blind-diamond lattice design carved fretwork pilaster supports slide forward for the adjustable leathered writing surface to lift and revealing a concealed integral swing out ink drawer to the right side. Double rising top allows for various configurations & heights, double removable reading rails on the top surface. Cuban mahogany solids, some mahogany veneer, with oak secondary throughout, indicative or London & Edinburgh makers, as well as Gillows of Lancaster. Attribution: while the esteemed J. Collins & Son attributed this to Gillows, an attribution to Edinburgh is equally plausible, give the extensive use of solid mahogany (London favored veneers & applied moldings). Chippendale begins showing the form in 1753 in a large desk style. Gillows & Chippendale documents show these were for the wealthiest clients with significant libraries to warrant such a piece. Provenance: The Dr. John Fryer Collection, London & Chapel Hill, from J. Collins & Son, John & Pamela Biggs, CINOA, BADA & LAPADA, June 11, 1999 for £85,000. Some rippling of the veneers on the body/chest surface – only visible when the top is up.  Condition commensurate with age and use.

40.5″ w., 27.5″ d., 30.5″ h.

Extends to 47″ deep and 58.5″ high.