An important and rare George II period secretaire chest on chest, in the manner of Giles Grendey (c. 1740 England)

An important George II period mahogany secretaire chest on chest. The architectural form of the cornice and entablature are pure Palladian and are exquisitely executed. The top section of graduated drawers is framed by canted and fluted corners, emulating Doric columns. The waist moulding crowns the lower set of drawers, the top fitted as a secretaire, all on a bold base moulding on proud ogee bracket and moulded pad feet. The emergence of the latest fashion for the Rococo can be seen here in the wonderful fire gilt metal mounts: the design a combination of the unusual ribbon handles, after designs by William Kent and adopted by Chippendale, and the latter's girandole shaped escutcheons. If one were to consider attributions, one would certainly need to consider Chippendale, whilst the most likely is Giles Grendey, as many of its characteristics can be seen in his work.

Provenance: by descent through a landed family, name available upon request, whose former home was designed by Inigo Jones.