Footnotes

The single tied wheat sheaf (set in this instance within a shield shaped surround), which appears proudly emblazoned to the centre of each opposing end support on the offered lot, has been historically emblematic of the Grosvenor family. Unfortunately, though, there is no way of being certain that the present library table was originally made for a member of the Grosvenors, nor is there any documentation to directly prove this association.

However, the exuberant gothic revival style of this piece appears highly redolent of much of the furniture and furnishings provided for Eaton Hall, following its large scale redesign and reconstruction by William Porden (c.1755-1822) in the period 1803-1813, and also slightly later on during the following decade. The extensive gothicising was completed before the end of the 1820s upon behalf of Robert Grosvenor, who was, at the time this work began, the 2nd Earl Grosvenor but who would later become the 1st Marquess of Westminster. This project was enacted due to the fact that the former estate had been in dire need of renovation and was in the then unfashionable high Baroque style.

In the contemporary opinion of some, the ebullience of this gothic revival architecture, and more specifically its interiors, appeared to border upon extravagance. And, in the case of a Mrs Arbuthnot, it went even further than this, as she describes the inside of Eaton Hall in the following way in 1826: '...the most gaudy concern I ever saw. It looks like the new bought and new built place of a rich manufacturer... the house decorated with a degree of gorgeousness that is quite fatiguing and takes away all appearance of real grandeur.' See F. Collard, Regency Furniture, 1985, Woodbridge, pp.'s 172 and 182.

It is important to note that the renowned firm of Gillows are recorded as supplying Eaton Hall with this type of gothic revival furniture, often to designs executed by William Porden. This happened in particular over the course of 1820-1830, once the vast majority of the re-building had been finished. Indeed, an impressive gothic style bergere attributed to Gillows, circa 1825, sold Bonhams, Knightsbridge, 7 and 8 February 2023, The Connoisseur's Library Sale, lot 77. The furnishings at Eaton Hall are further discussed in C. Payne, British Furniture, 1820 to 1920: The Luxury Market, 2023, ACC Art Books, pp.'s 52-53.