Object Description
A rare and highly important Regency Goncalo Alves side cabinet, stamped G. Bullock. This exquisite small Goncalo Alves side cabinet, the white marble top above six brass inlaid drawers, each drawer stamped G. Bullock with parcel gilt panels to either side and flanked by a pair of panelled doors with brass grilles. The cabinet is supported on parcel gilt reeded bun feet. It is important to note that there is only 1 other piece known in existence to be stamped G. Bullock. Its whereabouts unknown. This cabinet is illustrated on page 66 of Blairman’s/Murrays book titled “George Bullock Cabinet Maker” and is made from Rosewood and Mahogany. A pair of bookcases made by George Bullock for Napoleon’s breakfast room for his final residence, Longwood House on the Island of St. Helena and illustrated on page 102/103 bares similarities to our cabinet. It is clear that the brass ware is made to the exact same design. It is stated in Blairman’s book “That another small cabinet of similar form, without the upper part and fitted with small drawers is now in a private collection in London” pg.103/104. We believe this to be the cabinet. Literature: George Bullock was an extremely talented and influential cabinet maker of the early nineteenth century. During his short life he secured an illustrious clientele consisting of the Duke of Atholl at Blair Castle, the Earl of Mansfield at Scone Castle, Sir Walter Scot at Abbotsford and also supplied the furnishings for Napoleon’s home on the Island of St. Helena. His career started in Liverpool and later took him to London where he was locally celebrated for his remarkable craftsmanship. His use of exotic woods and design influenced from the neoclassical, Gothic, Jacobean and Elizabethan styles have made his pieces instantly recognisable.