An Important Regency Mahogany Sideboard With a Pair of Pedestals en Suite. Attributed to George Oakley
The table and pedestals inlaid throughout with satinwood, ebony and brass. The breakfront sideboard with four frieze drawers divided by a satinwood inlaid panel above each leg and a brass inlaid panel between the central drawers. The table standing on reeded turned legs with bronzed lion mask capitals and paw feet. The pair of pedestals, each with a drawer above a paneled cupboard door with brass inlay, and enclosing a shelf, and standing on bronzed paw feet. The sideboard and pedestals of the very finest quality and colour, the veneers carefully selected and the carving on lions' heads and feet crisp and detailed.
Sideboard Pedestals
Length 89 " 2m 19 Length: 19" 50cm
Depth: 28" 72cm Depth 21" 53cm
Height: 36 " 92cm Height 41" 1m05
English, Circa 1810
ATTRIBUTION
Towards the end of the Eighteenth century the influence of the French Empire style of furniture became more evident. Designers like Thomas Hope, the friend of the French architect Percier, interpreted the forms and motifs of the Greco-Roman eras and created a more monumental style of furniture.
One of the more successful of these 'interpreters' was George Oakley, a highly ambitious and successful businessman. Oakley became one of the most famous cabinet-makers and upholsterers in Regency London, even managing to attract Royal patronage.
Although numerous aristocratic clients are recorded in the Dictionary of English Furniture Makers, little documented furniture has been identified other than his work at Papworth Hall, Cambridgeshire, in 1810. Amongst this work was a sideboard and pedestals. Unfortunately, only the pedestals remain, but they bear a striking similarity to our table and pedestals, strong enough for us to confidently attribute our table to Oakley.
 "Sideboard With a Pair of Pedestals")
