George III Dressing Table Commissioned by Sir Joshua Reynolds

This exceptional late 18th-century dressing table cabinet embodies the elegance and craftsmanship synonymous with Thomas Sheraton. Constructed circa 1790, the cabinet boasts a veneer of fine mahogany and satinwood, and a design that is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. The piece includes a double folding lid, revealing a meticulously fitted interior with original mahogany fittings and a central dressing mirror featuring its original beveled plate. Below the fitted compartments lies a long drawer with drop handles, supported by four tapered legs terminating in brass castors. In original condition, pending restoration.
England, circa 1790

Height: 88 cms (34.5 ins)
Width: 62 cms (24.5 ins)
Depth: 51 cms (20 ins)

Purchased Nothwells' Sale at Phillips' Oct 1892 for £4.0.0

A Sheraton Dressing Cabinet made by T. Sheraton about 1790 for Sir Joshua Reynolds and purchased at Sir Joshua' sale by Mr. Nothwell of Manchester.

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The provenance of this cabinet is particularly noteworthy. According to an attached note, the cabinet was originally crafted by Thomas  Sheraton for Sir Joshua Reynolds, the first President of the Royal Academy. Reynolds, a prominent figure in 18th-century art and Georgian society, was known for his appreciation of contemporary furniture design. His collection included pieces that frequently appeared in his high-society portraits, underscoring his impeccable taste.

Thomas Sheraton's influence on furniture design during the late 18th century cannot be overstated. This dressing table is a quintessential example of his work, characterised by its refined lines, symmetry, and the understated elegance of its veneer. The use of mahogany and satinwood not only provides a rich aesthetic but also highlights the meticulous craftsmanship involved in its construction.

The cabinet’s interior is particularly impressive, featuring multiple compartments designed for optimal organisation and functionality. The inclusion of the original beveled mirror plate is a testament to the piece’s authenticity and preservation. The tapered legs and brass castors provide both stability and ease of movement, reflecting Sheraton’s attention to both form and function.

Sir Joshua Reynolds was an influential patron of the arts, and his association with this piece enhances its historical and cultural value. Reynolds’ portraits, often depicting high society figures with contemporary furnishings, serve as a visual documentation of the period’s interior aesthetics. Notably, Reynolds’ preference included pieces like the George III Sheraton Satinwood Pembroke Table, which appears in his painting 'The Ladies Waldegrave.' These depictions not only highlight the furniture but also contextualise it within the lifestyles of the era’s elite.

The antique cabinet’s journey through history further enriches its narrative. In 1892, it was acquired for the second time at the sale of Mr. Northwell of Manchester, who had purchased it from the original sale following Sir Joshua Reynolds’ death in 1792. This documented provenance provides a direct link to its illustrious past, making it a valuable addition to any serious collection of antique furniture.