A REGENCY MAHOGANY, EBONY AND EBONISED LIBRARY DRUM TABLE

This model of combined library table and bookcase is rare; in addition to the present example, only a closely related table sold at Christie’s, South Kensington, 18 April 1990, lot 436. (C. Gilbert, Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840, Leeds, 1996, p. 174, fig. 276), and another version depicted in M. Jourdain, Regency Furniture 1795-1830, London, 1965, p. 76, fig. 173 are known. The design is possibly derived from Sheraton’s pattern for a Library Table published between 1804-08 in his Cabinet-Maker, Upholsterer and General Artist’s Encyclopaedia, pl. 37 (J. Harris, Regency Furniture Designs 1803-1826, London, 1961, no. 25). A further comparable design for a 'Circular Movable Bookcase' was published in Ackermann's Repository of Arts between 1809-1829.
This library table was possibly made by Marsh & Tatham, one of the foremost firms in this period, and amongst the group of craftsmen recommended or engaged by the Prince of Wales' architect, Henry Holland on commissions at Woburn Abbey and Southill Park Bedfordshire), and at Carlton House (ed. G. Beard, C. Gilbert, The Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840, Leeds, 1986, pp. 623-624). Other rectilinear tables with lion mask mounts attributed to the firm and related to the present table include one from the collection of Lt. Col. S.G. Goldschmidt, Kerfield House, Ollerton, Cheshire (M. Harris & Sons, A Catalogue and Index of Old Furniture and Works of Decorative Art, London, c. 1930, Part III, p. 406, no. F 20465), and one from the Drawing Room, Scotney Castle, Kent (C. Hussey, English Country Houses Late Georgian 1800-1840, London, 1955, p. 228, fig. 439), sold Christie’s, London, 15 November 2017, lot 226.