Edward William Godwin (1833 - 1886), attributed to, for Collinson & Lock

walnut, the adjustable rectangular mirror plate flanked by extended uprights and above three hinged compartments flanked by open shelves, the shaped top above a frieze drawer flanked by demi-lune cupboard doors on square tapering legs with ribbed cappings and engraved brass castors

Illustrated in Susan Soros, The Secular Furniture of E.W. Godwin, New Haven, 1999, no. 336

A striking piece of good overall appearance. The piece has been re-polished and has a mid brown patina. Minor old marks and scratches consistent with age and use. With two keys. Of good structural condition. This piece is ready for use and display.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This dressing table correlates with Godwin's work of the mid-1870s for Collinson & Lock and William and Watt. 'The horizontal ribbing on the leg is a feature that he used for his angled cabinet for Collinson & Lock,' writes Soros, 'and the same attenuated finials and U-shaped handles appear in a sketch he made of a dresser for Watt. In addition, the complicated play of solid and void spaces with the open side cupboards, the tier of covered niches whose doors lift up, the tapered rectangular legs, and the Egyptian-inspired front bracket in the form of stylised wings all point to Godwin's hand. A similar wing decoration appears on a satinwood and ebony cabinet illustrated in Building News (1 May 1885, p. 686). Godwin's ledgers for Collinson & Lock indicate this piece might be the dressing table he designed on 19 May 1873, for a fee of £3.3s.0d (Victoria and Albert AAD 4/13-1980).'