IN THE MANNER OF THOMAS CHIPPENDALE, THIRD QUARTER 18TH CENTURY

This elegant secretaire relates to cabinets of the same form by Thomas Chippendale (d.1779). In 1764 Chippendale supplied two secretaires to Sir Lawrence Dundas, Bt. (d. 1781), each surmounted by a lattice-work bookshelf: one was sold by Lawrence Dundas, Marquess of Zetland, Christie's, London, 26 April 1934, lot 112 (bought by Malletts). The other is at Aske Hall, Yorkshire, now lacking its upper section, described as 'a fine open Bookshelf on top' (C. Gilbert, The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, London, 1978, vol. II, fig. 94 and vol. I, p.159). The narrow form of secretaire, with a fall-front top drawer enclosing an interior fitted with drawers and pigeon-holes, is similar to the present lot.