Description
A George III period carved mahogany pedestal of lovely, rich honey colour with old patinated surfaces.
Late 18th century, circa 1770.
In excellent condition throughout.
The front-opening cupboard is centred by a fine flame mahogany oval. The hinged rising top reveals a cellarette recess with a single shelf below.
The door is flanked by fluted tapering pilasters, below a fluted frieze centred by a well-carved Adam urn and swags of trailing husk, all in the neoclassical taste.
Standing on a boldly moulded plinth of inverted-breakfront form.
A sophisticated Georgian, high quality and versatile addition to any interior.
These fine pedestals, or plinths, were first introduced circa 1760, often as stands for cutlery urns, vases or sculptures, etc.
This antique can be used as a smart storage cabinet.
Literature:
‘The Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture’ by Ralph Edwards CBE FSA, Hamlyn, London (1972) p. 475, ill. 13 & pp. 480 & 481.
Illustr. M. Harris & Sons, ‘A Catalogue and Index of Old Furniture and Works of Decorative Art’ (1932) p. 393.
Herbert Ceszinsky ‘ English furniture of the eighteenth century’ vol 111, p. 126 figs. 129, 130 & 131.
Our pedestal on offer here is Hepplewhite in character but Robert Adam influenced, notable because of the carving instead of inlay.
For comparison:
The Paxton House dining room pedestals (1774-1776) Paxton, Berwick-on-Tweed, TD15 1SZ.
Measures:
17″ (43 cm) W.
17″ (43 cm) D.
35″ (89 cm) H.
Stock: BHA 1128.
