A Scottish Regency ebonised and penwork occasional table circa 1820, decorated at T. and G. Carlyles Drawing Academy

with Chinoiserie penwork decoration, the single frieze drawer above a turned trestle frame, the interior with a printed paper label for T and G Carlyles Drawing Academy, Edinburgh

With Temple Williams Ltd., Haunch of Venison Yard, London, where acquired by Wilfrid Evill (£140) 25 January 1962 and thence by descent to Honor Frost.

Very attractive. The top with marks to the central vignette, surface scratch to black ground and with slight warp. The stretcher with a repaired break, this repair has resulted in the piece having a slightly uneven stance. Decoration generally very good.
"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."

Carlyles Drawing Academy was based in Edinburgh's fashionable New Town between 1818 and 1829, they are listed in the Edinburgh & Leith Post Office Directories as 'teachers of flower and fruit painting', at 5 Howe Street then 23 Dundas Street and finally 24 Queen Sreet. In December 1816 Ackermann's Repository reported, 'among the many pleasing recreations of the fair sex, is that of painting and ornamenting Tunbridge and fancy ware, which at once becomes an elegant and useful amusement. The figures are relieved in black, purposefully to shew [sic] the effect when finished on the work-box, cabinet or screen; and when varnished, has the appearance of ivory inlaid on ebony; a great variety of which, with the colour properly prepared, may be had at the Repository of Arts'.

Noel Riley, Penwork: A Decorative Phenomenon, 2008 p. 38, highlights the contribution of amateur penwork artists to furniture design and references the offered lot as well as it's printed inscription.