ATTRIBUTED TO THOMAS CHIPPENDALE, CIRCA 1765-70

The secretaire cabinet corresponds in both its stylistic and constructional features to the work of Thomas Chippendale (d. 1779) whose furniture designs were published in successive editions of The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director (1st ed. 1754) .

The swan-neck pediment with its dentil moulding and central plinth relates closely to that of the bookcase supplied to the Earl of Pembroke for Wilton House (1760-62) and featured in a design by Chippendale that was included in the architect Sir William Chambers' proposal for a study at Pembroke House, London, 1760 (C. Gilbert, The Life & Work of Thomas Chippendale, London, 1978, vol. II, pl. 68, p. 44, and pl. 69, p. 45). It also closely resembles the pediments of the bookcases supplied in 1764 to Sir Lawrence Dundas for 19 Arlington Street, London, and for Aske Hall, Yorkshire (Gilbert, op. cit., pl. 73, p. 48), and Chippendale's own design for a Library Bookcase displayed a similar, if slightly more elaborate pediment in the 3rd edition of his Director, 1762, pl. XCII. The octagonal glazing pattern is a variation on the pattern illustrated in the Director, 1763, No. LXXXVII and also on Chippendale's Wilton bookcase and his Pembroke House design. The layout of the secretaire drawer is identical to that found on secretaires firmly attributed to Chippendale, including two neo-classical examples of c. 1775, both sold anonymously, Christie's, London, 5 (July 2018, lot 6, £248,750 including premium, and lot 20, £81,250 including premium). Ogee bracket feet featured on a mahogany tallboy supplied by Chippendale to Sir Rowland Winn for Nostell Priory, 1770-75 (Gilbert, op. cit., pl. 207, p. 118).

The attribution based on these stylistic affinities is further supported by constructional ones, in particular the use of a red wash on secondary timbers, the stacked or laminated glue blocks that secure the bracket feet, and the shaped drawer stops. These features are all associated with Chippendale's workshop practice and offer further evidence in support of a firm attribution alongside the designs that are characteristic of the master cabinet-maker.