the circular leather-lined top with a gadrooned edge above a moulded frieze with two opposing frieze drawers alternating two swinging compartments over three pairs of panelled doors with gilt-brass foliate mouldings and laurel wreath mounts alternating three pairs of concave similar separated by later sphinx headed monopodia on a plinth

Probably acquired by Frederick Fermor-Hesketh, 2nd Baron Hesketh DL (1916-1955);
thence by descent.

On loan to Attingham Park, Shropshire, 2007-2019

C. Musgrave, Regency Furniture, 1800 to 1830, London, 1961, pl. 71;
J. Kenworthy-Browne, 'Easton Neston, Northamptonshire: 2', The Connoisseur, September-December, 1964, p. 149, fig. 14 (illustrated in the Entrance Hall).

Overall in reasonable restored condition but would benefit from further attention according to taste. The circular top with panel construction. Leather top with splits, old marks, scuffs and scratches, however, the leather is stable and attractively worn. The frieze drawers have adapted swing hinges with ebony knobs – one missing and one detached - and there is no sign of any other handles fitted in the past. Curved pedestals have a mix of pin and butt hinges. Four doors are damaged at hinges and two have been repaired (one with iron 'L' plates). Doors are generally fragile with various small sections of mahogany missing. Backboards to cupboards and folio divides missing. Laurel wreath mounts and foliate borders to doors may be of a later date and with some replacements and loose elements. The Egyptian pilasters on pedestals are probably later and have re-gilt wooden heads and the bronze feet show signs of age but with no original fixings. The plinth base is worn and scuffed with numerous replacement veneers. Overall the desk is of impressive scale but shows signs of wear consistent with age and use.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This remarkable library table is one of only very few recorded examples of this large round form designed to be placed in the centre of a grand Regency library. A similarly conceived library or writing table which dates to the late 1780s from which the design of the current table draws inspiration is in Horse Guards, Whitehall, London and illustrated by Ralph Edwards, The Shorter Dictionary of English Furniture, London, 1964, p. 561, fig 22, which is a derivation from a design published by Thomas Sheraton in his Drawing Book of 1791-4 and reproduced by Edwards, op.cit , p. 567, fig. 42.