A Regency Mahogany Side Cabinet Attributed to Gillows, Circa 1815

Henry Pelham, 4th Duke of Newcastle, Lord Lieutenant of Nottingham, Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire (d. 1851);

Christie's London, 10 May 2006, lot 53;

Where acquired by Aso O. Tavitian.

This robust plinth-supported library commode of figured mahogany has reed-enriched pilasters surmounted by acanthus- wrapped trusses in the early 19th century antique manner. This fashion was promoted by architects such as Lewis Wyatt (d. 1853), following his appointment in 1804 to George III's Architectural Board of Ordnance. Wyatt also worked in collaboration with the London and Lancaster firm of Gillows. A very similar pedestal cabinet to the current lot was sold Sotheby’s London, 13 January 2009, lot 185. 

Clumber Park was built for the 2nd Duke of Newcastle under the direction of Stephen Wright in the 1760s. A magnificent Palladian house set in a park designed by Capability Brown near Worksop in Nottinghamshire, it was enlarged and embellished in the Italianate style by the 5th Duke (1811-1864), who also added the serpentine lake and a double avenue of lime trees over three miles in length. In March 1879 a fire destroyed the whole centre section of the house, which was then rebuilt and designed by Charles Barry Jr. There was however a second but less serious fire in 1912 which further added to the burden placed on the family, and the difficult decision was taken in 1938 to sell many of the contents and demolish the house. The park was purchased by the National Trust in 1946. However, much of the estate remains, including the outstanding Gothic Revival chapel, walled garden and greenhouses, stable yard and the estate village of Hardwick.