Regency Mahogany Partners Writing Table in the Manner of George Smith

A highly Important, Early Regency period mahogany, ebonised and parcel gilt partners writing table on monopodia legs of exceptional quality and design, in the manner of George Smith, stamped Chas Norman, whom was associated with the work of Gillows. Labelled ‘Morning Library’. English, Regency period, Circa 1810. Rarely seen, the crescent shaped ended rectangular top, beautifully lined with the original gilt tooled leather writing surface, enclosed by a mahogany cross-banded border and reeded edge. The frieze, containing four finely chosen fiddle-back mahogany drawers, two pairs to opposing sides, each retaining the original gadrooned carved ebonised knob handles. The perimeters having a finely ebonised cockbead, whilst the drawer liners being executed in mahogany retain the original recessed brass locks, which look to have never been removed. Flanking the drawers are bead-moulded ebonised panels which conform to either end above a reeded mould. Raised on four boldly designed and imposing, crisply carved, ebonised and parcel gilt leopard monopodia supports, of wonderful original waxed condition. The Egyptian leopards mask above a bold breast decorated with carved gilt anthemion and guilloche motifs, finishing on a finely detailed carved leg and paw foot. The condition is excellent, retaining the original hand-dyed and gilt tooled waxed leather writing surface along with original locks, handles and ebonising with gilt-work to the legs. Commissioned for what presumes to be a private collection and due to its condition, being obvious to see, this writing table has been home to an important household. Labelled ‘Morning Library’ to the underside, whilst in this exemplary condition strongly suggests this striking piece of Regency furniture has furnished the library of the said house for the majority of its life. George Smith (1756 - 1826) was one of the most influential furniture designers of the English Regency Period (1811-1830). Smith, who began his pattern-book in 1804, wrote of ‘the great taste and elegance’ of this design. Thomas Hope (1769-1831) was also another influential figure to Smiths designs. A rich young man, being the eldest of three sons from a family of Dutch bankers, Hope had travelled extensively spending several years in the Middle East and Greece. He published his ‘ancient furniture’ designs in the ‘Household Furniture and Interior Decoration. 1807’, which was an important and influential book throughout the Regency period. George Smith interpreted Thomas Hopes Egyptian and Grecian themes (although the plates are dated 1804-7) into a more practical design with a greater regard for comfort and utility than for archaeological accuracy, which was widely accepted as the turning point in Regency furniture for the affluent gentry. Literature for Design of Top and Monopodia Leg: The carved monopodiae on the present writing table related closely to Smith's design for a sofa table (plate 83, 1804) and also his design for a library table (plate 87, 1804). What can be seen in Smiths book is the similarity in design to the legs with embellished anthemion motifs on a lion-monopodia leg. For a similar table of shape on lion-monopodia legs see Margaret Jourdain, Regency Furniture, London, 1949, p128 , fig. 139 from Lord Huntingfield, Heveningham Hall. In the same book also the monopodia legs of a closely related design to that of a mahogany side table c1810 from the Duke of Richmond, Goodwood House, page 104 fig 89. A daybed supported by similar monopodia was supplied by Gillows, which is now in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London is illustrated in Margaret Jourdain, Regency Furniture, London, 1949, p. 99, fig. 77.