A Regency mahogany architect's table attributed to Gillows Circa 1815 The adjustable hinged ratcheted top with a reed moulded edge, above one long twin panelled and mahogany lined secretaire drawer, opening to reveal a baize inset slide incorporating a central adjustable hinged ratcheted writing surface, enclosing a well flanked by six hinged lidded compartments, with elongated panel angles, on ribbed ring turned and reeded tapering legs terminating in spade feet with brass cappings and castors, with a Bramah patent lock, 102cm wide x 65cm deep x 90cm high, (40in wide x 25 1/2in deep x 35in high) Footnotes: Other similar architects' tables to the present lot which have sold include: Christie's, London, 9 March 2000, Fine English Furniture, lot 188, Sotheby's, London, 12 May 2015, Arts of Europe, lot 216, and Bonhams, Knightsbridge, 5 April 2024, Home and Interiors, lot 295. This form of architect's or library table evidently evolved from a design for a secretaire writing table which appears in the 1788 publication entitled 'The Cabinet Maker's London Book of Prices' by Thomas Shearer, p. 12. The offered model typifies the early 19th century Neoclassical taste for lion masks and Egyptian reed ornamentation promoted by the Wyatts, the latter of whom were a family of architects during that period. Although the above version has a single adjustable hinged ratcheted top, most examples of this type tend to have twin opposing hinged tops, however of course the vast majority of such pieces were custom made depending upon the original owners' prerequisite demands. Regardless of these minor variations, they are characteristic evidence of the contemporaneous fascination and passion for practicality in the furniture produced at that time. A grouping of four Gillows designs for a closely related table feature in an entry for December 1801 within the firm's Estimate Sketch Books, No. 1675, City of Westminster Archives. The second of these drawings illustrates the hinged ratcheted top and half secretaire drawer which are both distinctive elements of such tables. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: TP TP For auctions held in Scotland: Lots will be moved to an offsite storage location (Constantine, Constantine House, North Caldeen Road, Coatbridge ML5 4EF, Scotland, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue and/or after-sale information, sent out to all buyers post-sale. For all other auctions: Lots will be moved to an offsite storage location (The Packengers, Unit 9, Abbey Mead Industrial Park, Brooker Road, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1HU, England, UK) and will only be available for collection from this location at the date stated in the catalogue and/or after-sale information, sent out to all buyers post-sale. Please note transfer and storage charges will apply to any lots not collected after 10 calendar days from the auction date. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing