A table with the same ‘Japanese’ elements is pictured in The Secular Furniture of EW Godwin (Susan Soros, 1999) while the model also appears in a line drawing created for the 1877 brochure Art Furniture issued by the manufacturer William Watt. The model, described by Godwin as a ‘Coffee Table’, was also made by Gillows & Co.
A fine version in black and gilt was sold by Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh in 2020 for £17,500.
The present example emerged for sale at Anderson & Garland (22% buyer’s premium) in Newcastle upon Tyne on September 14 with a guide of just £100-200 but was spotted by enough bidders to bring £8500.
Early 18th century walnut bachelor’s chest - £13,000 at Anderson & Garland.
There was an equal level of interest in an early 18th century walnut bachelor’s chest, the type with a hinged rectangular top, enclosing a brushing surface.
It had one long over two short then three long graduated drawers and measured a compact 2ft 6in x 2ft 4in (75 x 70cm). Multiple images online suggested it was in nice condition and a particularly pleasing colour.
Estimated at a modest £500-700, it sold at £13,000.
