A magnificent, mid-18th century, walnut trestle table retaining its original gilding; from Hurstbourne Park, the former seat of the Earl of Portsmouth
10167
The walnut top with some old repairs and later cleats at either end. The base with a panelled guilloche and acanthus foliate cartouche carved frieze attached to three scrolled and shell-carved trestles on moulded feet. The base retains it original gilding and has some old repairs and restorations. The crisp, carved guilloche and acanthus foliate carving is in the style of William Kent who held a dominant position in architecture and the applied arts from about 1730 until his death in 1748. The inspiration of his designs continued throughout the 18th century.
At some point the table was raised on a simple platform base, presumably so that it would function as a serving or library table. This has been removed. Probably English, middle of the 18th century. 12111675.
18th Century
1750
Walnut
Probably English
Hurstbourne Park, Hampshire. Hurstbourne Park is a Grade II listed, early formal and landscape park, and was thought, by Charles Kingsley, to be the most beautiful park in southern England. The house, which was once the seat of the Earls of Portsmouth, was 60% demolished in 1965. The table has come from a member of the family who sold the house two years ago, see FPD Savills sales brochure, and it came to him by descent.
