A Pair of Parcel Gilt Amboyna Cabinets By T & G Seddon

Object Description

A Pair of Parcel Gilt Amboyna Cabinets
By T & G Seddon

Constructed from prized amboyna with parcel gilt carved details, each cabinet of rectangular outline with rounded corners, surmounted by white marble tops of conforming shape above single glazed doors with lobed decoration throughout, opening to reveal a shelved interior, above plinth bases. Both labelled, ‘Manufacturers to Her Majesty. T. & G. Seddon no.2097, Gray’s Inn Road, London,’ both labels inscribed with the original client’s name: Thompson.
England, circa 1840

The British Museum has an identical trade label, donated by Sir Ambrose Heal, equally numbered and annotated with a client name, numbered 2387 and believed to date c.1839. Other labels of this design are documented, and must have been have been in use after Seddon moved to Gray’s Inn Road around 1833, and certainly after Queen Victoria succeeded the throne in 1837.

Object History

Provenance:
Commissioned for Mr. Thompson
Private collection, London
With T Coulborn & Sons 2006
Private collection, London

Object Literature

T & G Seddon (fl. 1815-1870)

T. & G. Seddon were leading London cabinet makers and upholsterers with workshops first in Aldersgate Street and later Gray’s Inn Road. The firm was established by brothers Thomas (1792-1864) and George (1797-1857) Seddon, nephews of George Seddon II, who inherited one of the largest furniture-making businesses in the capital.

In partnership with Nicholas Morel from 1827, they undertook the vast commission to refurnish Windsor Castle for George IV, employing designers such as A. W. N. Pugin and producing furniture in both Gothic and Neo-classical styles. The Seddons also received major commissions for Stafford House, Goldsmiths’ Hall, Liverpool Town Hall, and the Morrison family at Basildon Park. After Morel’s departure in 1831, Thomas and George continued to enjoy royal patronage, securing the royal warrant in 1832 and supplying furniture to William IV and Queen Victoria.

The firm remained innovative, with Thomas Seddon III contributing prize-winning designs and supporting the North London School of Drawing and Modelling under Prince Albert’s patronage. Following George’s death in 1857, the business continued under Thomas and later as Seddon & Co., working with designers such as John Pollard Seddon and William Burges. Their exhibits at the 1862 International Exhibition, including the celebrated “King René’s Honeymoon Cabinet,” reflected their central role in Victorian furniture design. By 1870, Seddon & Co. were recorded as exporters, their work ranging from royal palaces to international commissions.

Object Condition

Excellent condition

Object Details