Bonhams 1793 : A Regency mahogany and ebony inlaid partner's desk by Wilkinson of Ludgate Hill

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6 Mar 2013 14:00 GMT London, New Bond Street
Fine English Furniture
Back to auction 20741

A Regency mahogany and ebony inlaid partner's desk

by Wilkinson of Ludgate Hill
The moulded top with inset gilt tooled later green leather writing surface, above a central frieze drawer flanked by three graduated drawers to each side, one enclosing shelves, the other folio divisions, the opposing side with a central frieze drawer flanked by a pair of panelled cupboard doors, with line, lozenge and dot inlay, one enclosing a shelf, the other with folio divisions, on ring turned tapering legs with brass cappings and castors, stamped to the top drawer, 'WILKINSON.LUDGATE HILL', 165.5cm wide, 101cm deep, 79.5cm high (65" wide, 39.5" deep, 31" high).

Sold for £7,500 inc. premium

Footnotes

Provenance: The Hon. Edward Robert Hamilton Wills (1918-2005) Farmington Lodge, Northleach, Gloucestershire.

Willis was the 2nd son of the 1st Baron Dulverton. Known as the Hon. Bobby Wills throughout his life, he was part of the 'Wills Tobacco' family. He never married and during the second world war, was a Major in the Grenadier Guards. In 1964 he founded 'The Farmington Institute for Christian Studies', which each year awarded a research fellowship to a student at Harris Manchester College, Oxford University. Throughout his life he was an avid collector of fine antiques, paintings and works of art.

The firm of Wilkinson was established circa 1790 by William (d. 1833) and Thomas Wilkinson. William was an upholsterer and cabinet-maker who was particularly known for his patent furniture. By 1808 William had established a business of his own at 14 Ludgate Hill, London. Wilkinson built up a flourishing trade, with significant commissions from such distinguished clients as the Goldsmiths' Company. His sons William and Charles joined him in the business and it continued after their father 's death in 1833 as William & Charles Wilkinson. Wilkinsons of Ludgate Hill merged with Charles Hindley & Sons in the third quarter of the 19th century, and were known to be trading as Hindley & Wilkinson in 1909.

Category: Furniture / English Furniture and Works of Art

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