Exceptional George II Side Table/lowboy Attributed to Giles Grendey

An exceptional George II period mahogany side table of small proportions and exquisite form attributed to GILES GRENDeY. The superbly figured overhanging top above two short and two long drawers, all with the most remarkable fire-gilded handles and a shaped frieze decorated with scrolled leafy ornament and raised on cabriole legs carved to the knees and beyond with trailing acanthus and terminating in circular pad feet.

In outstanding 'untouched' and original condition, including handles, escutcheons, locks and even a key.

GILES GRENDEY

Every once in a while, something comes along that baffles even the scholars and so-called experts among us.

I first came across this delightful little side table a couple of years ago and was immediately intrigued by its slightly unusual form and subtle clues of undeniable quality. The general shape did not quite fit with the expected rules that normally apply to the understated early 18th century English furniture. The carving and use of the most majestic fire-gilt handles were not playing the same tunes that I expected.

The more I looked at it, the more I wondered how and where it might have been created and looking through books, I started to wonder if it might be American. The form seemed to be based on the much sought-after, early 18th century Philadelphia lowboys with carved fronts and cabriole legs. I became obsessed with the idea that this was what it was. I even contacted Christies in New York to ask if they would like to sell it. They also got quite excited with the Philadelphia idea but they suggested that to prove the point we should have the timbers scientifically tested. This would hopefully confirm they were woods typically used in 1740’s American furniture making. Tiny samples were duly sent off and I became more and more convinced that the table had originated Stateside. However, after a few weeks wait the results came back proving convincingly that it must have been made in England!

So there I was, back to square one, with a piece I knew was special, but which could not be fully explained. I put it up for sale and offered it to a few very special clients, but it is difficult to sell something when you don’t know what you’re selling!

Time went on and although I very much still enjoyed having it around, the whole point of being a dealer is to deal!

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I had an unexpected email from a great friend that had seen the table and like me had been intrigued by it. He had been looking through some old auction catalogues and was very taken by very special George II red and gilt-Japanned bureau cabinet that was sold on 20th November 2008 by Christies in the dispersal sale for the renowned London dealers Jeremy and Hotspur. It was firmly attributed to Giles Grendey and had the most elaborate gilt rococo handles which he knew he had seen somewhere else. And guess what, the handles were the exact same model as the ones on my table, in every detail. So both pieces must have been made in the same workshops!

A momentous discovery! Grendey is such an important name in early 18th century English furniture making. His work is always of the highest calibre and unlike the other great makers he was not so restricted by the fashions of the period. His work is somehow more individual and boundary pushing, which of course explains a lot about my exquisite little table.