A Gillows George IV Regency Carved Mahogany Grand Tour Specimen Marble Table

This 18th century George II table features a beautifully crafted one piece circular top made from one piece of richly grained figured mahogany, showcasing the natural luster and patt...

A fine George II figured walnut console table with Sienna Brocatelle marble top, circa 1740. England The moulded Sienna Brocatelle marble sits over a figured walnut moulded cavetto frieze, raised on eared solid walnut legs terminating on shaped pad feet. Lovely rich colour with well-patinated surfaces. Provenance Private Chicago collection Mallet Antiques...

A Fine and Possibly Unique Mid-18th-Century George III Mahogany Tray-Top Tripod Table, Circa 1760-1770, Ireland This exceptional mid-18th-century George III tripod table represents ...

A fine and well-figured George III mahogany hexagonal wine cooler or cellarette on the original stand, C. 1770 England. In the manner of Thomas Chippendale. There is always someth...

An unusual George IV specimen marble backgammon table attributed to Gillows. This rectangular table is strongly attributed to Gillows. It has a rectangular top inlaid with a central chess board flanked by two backgammon fields, all inlaid with a multitude of specimen marbles. One edge carved and gilded with the Latin motto ‘Turpe est in patria vivere et patriam ignorare’. The oak base has a drawer for cards and playing pieces, all raised on a square section support with four splayed legs and the original brass castors. English, circa 1830. Provenance: Geoffrey Bennison Ltd, London, November 1983 The Mermaid House Collection, St. John’s Wood, London Property of a gentleman Private American collection The form of the base of this table is related to several known Gillows commissions from the late Regency period and the quality of the cabinet work also suggests that firm attribution to the firm. Backgammon tables, rather than more general games tables, are unusual at this date and the use of inlaid specimen marbles in the top suggests a client of wealth. Additionally, the Latin text on the edge of the table provides further clues. The text, Turpe est in patria vivere et patriam ignorare, translates as “it is shameful to live in your homeland and not know it”. This phrase dates back to antiquity but rose to prominence once again in the mid-18th century when used by the botanist and key Enlightenment figure Carl Linnaeus in his work on the native flora of Sweden. The combination of this phrase and the use of native English timbers and marbles is promoting English raw materials and craftsmanship at a time when the noble and the wealthy were focussed on European pietra dura tables. Mermaid House in St John’s Wood was re-designed by Chester Jones...

A Grand Tour specimen marble table top with an English specimen wood base, the circular top inlaid with a flowerhead pattern in an extensive ...

The rectangular top of this table tilts up to display a scagliola landscape scene showing the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Temples of Vespasian and Saturn, the Column of Phocas and ...

With circular marble-top with various types of polished marble with brass gallery, with turned support ending on four carved saber legs, casters.