A rare and unusual, fine quality early 19th century English mahogany hall bench.
 
Circa 1800-1810.
 
Why we like it
 
Superbly graphic, clean regency design and elegant proportions, a wonderfully decorative accent piece, and usefull, too: ideal at the bed foot or in a narrow passage or landing. Can make an impossibly smart coffee table, too.
 
The design for this hall stool evolved from an antique Roman marble seat, with fluted legs and drapery-covered seat, that was drawn by the architect Charles Heathcote Tatham (d. 1842) and published following his return from Rome in his 'Etchings of Ancient Ornamental Architecture', 1799 (pl. 46). The fashion for ancient Greek and Roman designs was popularised by C. Percier and P. Fontaine's, Receuil de decorations Interieuses, 1801 and promoted by the connoisseur Thomas Hope (d.1842), author of a guide-book to his London mansion/museum entitled Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, 1807. The rectangular frame has architectural 'eared' ends that are supported on taper-hermed legs. These same elements feature in a stately throne pattern published in January 1807 and included in a Collection of Designs for Household Furniture and Interior Decoration, 1808, (pl. 58) issued by George Smith (d.1826), 'Upholder Extraordinary to His Royal Excellency the Prince of Wales'.
 
Fine original antique condition, minor restorations