Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo (1851 - 1942)

mahogany inlaid with stringing, the upper frieze drawer above a fall front inlaid with a tulip roundel designed by Selwyn Image, the reverse with a leather writing inset and enclosing three open shelves above a cupboard door with conformingly inlaid carnation roundel, on bracket feet

A stylish piece of good overall appearance. The piece has been re-polished and has a mid brown patina, slightly darker than the catalogue illustration suggests. Minor old marks and scratches consistent with age and use. The front very slightly faded. One or two later nails to the upper moulding. The lower cupboard door has a minor horizontal crack running through the roundel due to the splitting of the rear carcass board. This is consistent with pieces of this age and is not too distracting as the image shows. The lower cupboard originally had a middle shelf, now lacking. The leather writing inset has been replaced. Overall, a decorative piece ready for 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."

Selwyn Image's designs for the inlay are in the collection of the William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow, where there is also a table with similar inlay. The Saint Louis Museum of Art has a cabinet related to this example, sold by Paul Reeves (Stuart Evans, 'Putting Together the Pieces', The Decorative Arts Society, no. 31 [2007], fig. 14), and the Colchester and Essex Museum has a Century Guild box also with similar inlay (Gillian Naylor, The Arts and Crafts Movement, Norwich, 1980, no. 38g).