Object Description
A Fine Pair of Late 19th Century Demilune Satinwood and Inlaid Side or Console Tables in the Neoclassical Style Attributed to Edwards and Roberts
This fine pair of neoclassical-style tables are of demilune, or semicircular, shape and veneered principally in satinwood. Large-scale panels of satinwood have been laid on the carcass of the frieze to give a segmented effect, which is very attractive. The tapering square-sectioned legs and contrasting spade toes are all classic Sheraton design features, being reused here a century later. The most impressive parts of the tables are undoubtedly the beautiful tops, with the central feature being an inlaid fan-shaped patera, centered by a smaller example of the same form with additional penwork foliage on it. This, in turn, centers on a semicircular feathered boss. Around the edge of the tabletops is a wide crossbanding upon which a repeating neoclassical design featuring penwork scrolling foliage and urns is delicately executed and highly attractive.
Footnote: The quality of the present tables indicates that they would have been produced in one of the leading workshops of the period. On stylistic grounds, the most likely maker is Edwards and Roberts. Particularly adept at producing furniture in the inlaid Sheraton style, the firm had an elite clientele and, as such, was able to make the finest furniture without cutting corners. For an example of a Carlton House table attributed to the firm, see this example at Kingston Lacy in Dorset:
https://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/1254511
The inspiration for our tables was undoubtedly the output of the likes of Ince and Mayhew, their ex-employee William Moore of Dublin, and the royal maker William Gates, who all produced beautifully inlaid satinwood furniture in the late 18th century in a similar taste. The detailing on our tables is particularly reminiscent of Moore’s work. Please see a fine demilune commode attributed to him in the V&A here:
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O60507/commode-moore-william/