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A superb George III inlaid…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
19-Sep-2023
Lot No.
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Description:
A superb George III inlaid mahogany serpentine-sided partners-desk, attributable to Thomas Shearer, English, circa 1780. Provenance: Sand Hutton Hall, near York. UK. The Estate of the late Major Sir Robert James Milo Walker, Bart. Middlethorpe Lodge, previously of Sand Hutton, Yorkshire. The collection of Sir Keith Murdoch Melbourne. See online image of Sir Keith seated at this desk. Acquired by Dr. E Graeme Robertson Melbourne at the auction of the Estate of Sir Keith and Lady Murdoch, March 1953, lot 70 for the not inconsiderable sum then of 520 pounds, where it was referred to in the catalogue as the finest desk of its kind to be offered in Australia. Joshua McClelland, who acted for the Murdoch family with the auction of the estate, provided a letter of provenance on September 27th 1954 which is illustrated online. Illustrated: John Rogan, Antiques in Australia. Jacaranda Press Brisbane. 1975 page 143. In this publication Rogan refers to a similar kneehole writing-table in the Judge Untermeyer collection New-York. References: See Shearer's furniture designs, from: The Cabinet Makers London Book of Prices 1788/1793 Plate 2 which illustrates the design for a serpentine-fronted and sided partner's desk. Also refer to: Connoisseur Magazine. June 1961, page 30- A Library Writing Table Made From a Design by Thomas Shearer. This article illustrates another serpentine-fronted and sided desk designed by Thomas Shearer. The article talks about Shearer's importance as a furniture designer and his penchant for serpentine outlined desks. Photocopy's of these articles will be available at the public viewings. Dimensions: 184 cm long 108 cm deep 80 cm high
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Furniture: Desks - Partners, Bureau Plat and Other Large Desks