A Well Patinated Chippendale Period Mahogany Architect's Table

The well figured drawing surface supported by a double ratchet mechanism; the frieze drawer retains its original rococo back plate swan neck handle and opens to reveal a baize lined writing slope with compartments below and to the right a pull-out pen rest; raised on square legs which are carved to the inside corners with Doric columns.

Amateur architecture was a highly fashionable pursuit in the 18th Century. Inspired by architectural books and continental travel on the Grand Tour aristocrats took an ever increasing interest in the creation/enhancement of their family seats. The foremost amateur architect of the 18th Century was probably Horace Walpole who created the Gothick masterpiece Strawberry Hill.

The design of this architect's table closely relates to a design in Ince and Mayhew's 'Universal System' (1759-1763) which has an identical double ratchet and compartmentalised drawer with writing slope.

Literature

The Dictionary of English Architecture (1954) ed. R. Edwards

The Universal System of Household Furniture (1759-1763) W. Ince and J. Mayhew