Live Auction 20027Jasper Conran: The Collection Part I
A GEORGE II MAHOGANY PEDESTAL DESK
Lot 94 THE TRELISSICK HOUSE DESK

A GEORGE II MAHOGANY PEDESTAL DESK

CIRCA 1755-60, IN THE MANNER OF THOMAS CHIPPENDALE

Closed14 September 2021

Price Realised

GBP 68,750

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A GEORGE II MAHOGANY PEDESTAL DESK
CIRCA 1755-60, IN THE MANNER OF THOMAS CHIPPENDALE
The rectangular top inset with later black oilcoth with a ribbon-tied flowerhead edge moulding, above three frieze drawers, raised on two pedestals each with three graduated drawers, the reverse with three frieze drawers above two panelled cupboard doors with applied rosettes to the corners, one revealing a shelf, the other revealing an arrangement of pigeon holes, on bracket feet, the sides with two drawers, a carrying-handle and cut-cornered panels with rosettes and recessed castors
31 ½ in. (80 cm.) high; 72 in. (183 cm.) wide; 47 in. (120 cm.) deep

Acquired from Harrods Ltd., by Leonard Daneham Cunliffe (1840-1937) for Juniper Hill, Mickeham and by descent to his step-daughter Ida Copeland née Fenzi (1881-1964) at Trelissick House, Cornwall and by descent at Trelissick until circa 2013.
The Contents of Trelissick House; sold Bonhams house sale; 23-24 July 2013, lot 345.
Acquired from Eliza's House, October 2015.

Specialist note


Leonard Daneham Cunliffe was a wealthy financier, serving as Deputy-Governor of the Bank of England as well as an early shareholder of Harrods department store. Having spotted the Cornish estate of Trelissick whilst sailing in his boat Loranda, he initially rented the property before purchasing the estate in 1918. On his death it passed to his step-daughter Ida Copeland who served as MP for Stoke-on-Trent from 1931 to 1935. Ida and her husband Roland gifted Trelissick to the National Trust in 1955.

The form of this desk present relates to patterns for 'Library Tables' published in both Thomas Chippendale's, Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, 1763, 3rd Edition, pl. LXXIX and Ince and Mayhew's Universal System of Household Furniture, 1762, pl. XXIII. For a desk of similar form attributed to Thomas Chippendale see Christie's, London, 22 November 2007, lot 610 (£96,500, including premium).