William Eden Nesfield (1835 - 1888)

oak, the dentil moulded cornice above parcel-gilt embossed leather foliate panels, the lower open shelf backed by fielded panels and bevelled mirror panels flanked by pierced supports, the lower section with a frieze drawer above panelled cupboard doors and an open shelf, flanked by further cupboard doors carved with lozenge motifs and stylised foliate roundels

The gift of the artist to John McKean Brydon on the occasion of his wedding, and thence by descent

A striking piece. Old marks and scratches generally, commensurate with age and use. Leather panels with some cracking and surface dirt. Planks to the top of the base section are separating slightly. Feet dry and with some cracking. Backboards with some separation. Base and backboards to left hand lower cupboard are slightly loose. Of good structural condition. An attractive object ready for use.
"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."

Before establishing his own successful London practice, building the Chelsea Town Hall among other commissions, John McKean Brydon was a clerk in the shared office of Nesfield and Richard Norman Shaw from 1866 to 1871.

Very little of Nesfield's furniture is known. This sideboard shows the influences both of the 'Old English Style', the creation of which is jointly credited to Nesfield and Norman Shaw, as well as the Japanese elements which can be further seen is his designs for his lodge at Kinmel Park, Wales. Photographs of chimneypieces and furniture designed by Nesfield were published in the Building News in 1891, including another sideboard with stylistic affinities to the current lot made for Henry Vallance's house at Farnham Royal, Buckinghamshire (1867-69) (see below).