A fine late 19th century Kingwood Bureau Plat in the French Régence style after models by Charles Cressent – Property of Sir Lew Grade

Object Description

A fine late 19th century Kingwood Bureau Plat in the French Régence style after models by Charles Cressent

This fine bureau plat or writing table is decorated with quartered kingwood veneers except for on the drawer fronts where a form of parquetry diamond pattern decoration is used for an additional touch of luxury. The table retains its original gilt tooled leather top, surrounded by a large leaf-decorated ormolu edge mount which runs around all sides. The legs are mounted with rocaille-form ormolu mounts and sabots and the drawers have edge mounts and fabulous rococo-type escutcheons. Either side of the central drawer are two cornucopia-form mounts. The form of all of these mounts is reminiscent of those used on a series of Régence period bureau plats by the maker Charles Cressent and it is likely that the maker of our piece was inspired by the master’s prior designs.

Object History

This bureau plat spent many years in the private home of Sir Lew Grade, also known as ‘Mr Showbiz’, one of the greatest rags-to-riches epics of the 20th century. From performing in touring variety shows he finished up as the greatest media tycoon in TV and film on both sides of the Atlantic of his generation.

Object Details