A Regency Period Mahogany Serving Table attributed to Thomas Chippendale Junior
English, circa 1810
REF991
English, circa 1810
W: 72 in (183 cm)
D: 25 ½ in (65)
H: 37 in (94 cm)
H: (top rail) 57 in (145 cm)
The rectangular top veneered with mahogany and edged with finely reeded inset moulding. Retaining the original ornate brass gallery with turned columns, scrolls, anthemion and paterae. The frieze veneered with book-matched flame mahogany veneer with carved monopodia legs in the form of finely carved leopard heads with acanthus and terminating in paw feet on plinth bases veneered with flame mahogany.
This rare and outstanding example of Regency furniture is inspired by designs from Ancient Egypt and adapted by designers such as Thomas Hope and George Smith in the early 19th century. Here the combination of perfect balance and elegance of form, together with outstanding craftmanship and choice of the finest timberes, is enhanced by an untouched patina and glorious colour acquired over the centuries.
PROVENANCE
Balls Park Hertfordshire
With JAS A Lewis & Son,
London, March 1955, John Sheffield, Laverstoke House, Hampshire
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SHAREDESCRIPTION
Recent research has uncovered that Thomas Chippendale Junior supplied a substantial quantity of furniture for Lord John Townshend’s residence at Balls Park.
A letter discovered in the Raynham Hall archives, dating July 13th 1813, confirms a significant payment of £1200, made to Thomas Chippendale for his work at Balls Park. This amount was considerable for the time, indicating the extent of the commission.
The date also perfectly aligns with the estimated date of manufacture of our Regency Mahogany Side Table, which is known to have been originally made for Balls Park. The table’s exceptional quality together with many stylistic elements of the carving throughout its design, is consistent with other documented examples of Chippendale furniture, making it the first identified piece from this commission.
The Townsend family of Raynham, Norfolk, inherited Balls Park as a secondary residence after the death of esteemed society hostess, Etheldera Townsend. Balls Park was most cherished by her grandson, Lord John Townsend, who made it his home in the early nineteenth century and initiated further changes to its design; possibly roofing over the courtyard to form a saloon or atrium. With these renovations it is likely that Townsend sought new furnishings and it appears, engaging Chippendale for the task.
Most of the furniture from Balls Park was sold in 1904 and so far, our Regency Serving Table is the only piece of Chippendale furniture to have been identified from this commission.
LITERATURE
Maquoid and Edwards, Dictionary of English Furniture, 1927 Volume III, page, 133, fig 24.
Margaret Jourdain, Regency Furniture, page 143, fig, 163
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A Regency Period Mahogany Serving Table attributed to Thomas Chippendale Junior
