A remarkable piece of English 18th century architect-designed furniture associated with Sir William Chambers and James Athenian Stuart, and attributable to the maker Robert Ansell. Such furniture was made only for the Royal Households and the highest and mightiest of English aristocracy, for stylistically it shows what in 1770 was the latest classical influence in the manner of Robert Adam, and technically it displays that deep intimacy with the timber which was peculiar to only the world's greatest furniture makers. Of particular note is the grandeur created by the top folding at less than half the diameter. The moulding to the frieze is an ancient classic form, both difficult and expensive to make, and the combination of a formal patera to the leg and a foliate framed cabochon ceased to appear in the 1780s which saw the return of marquetry. The accentuated taper to the leg, waist and entablatures, enriched with carved classical detail, strongly indicate the hand and eye of an architect's influence, rather than that of a furniture designer who might have had more of a mind to economy of material. The density of this fabulous Spanish mahogany is incredible and the colour wonderful and rich.

Circa 1770

Height: 28.5 inch (72.3 cm)
Width: 41.5 inch (105.5 cm)
Depth: 41.5 inch (105.5 cm)

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