George III Dressing Table Commissioned by Sir Joshua Reynolds

George III Dressing Table Commissioned by Sir Joshua Reynolds

This exceptional late 18th-century dressing table exemplifies the refined taste and artistry characteristic of the Georgian era. Commissioned by Sir Joshua Reynolds, the first President of the Royal Academy, it reflects the neoclassical style popularised by Thomas Sheraton, renowned for his elegant and symmetrical designs.

Origin: England, attributed to Thomas Sheraton
Date: Circa 1790
Material: Mahogany and satinwood veneer, brass fittings

Dimensions: Height: 88 cm (34.5 in), Width: 62 cm (24.5 in), Depth: 51 cm (20 in)

Condition: In original condition, pending restoration

This George III dressing table holds a distinguished place within the annals of British decorative arts. As a piece attributed to Thomas Sheraton and commissioned for the eminent Sir Joshua Reynolds, it offers an extraordinary intersection of artistic and cultural heritage. Sheraton’s furniture forms are celebrated in national collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, where similar examples highlight the sophistication of late Georgian design. The documented provenance, including purchase at the notable 1892 Nothwells' Sale, enhances its collectable significance and historic allure.

Notable Features:

• Craftsmanship Highlights:

  • Finely veneered in select mahogany and satinwood, boasting a lustrous, rich patina
  • Interior meticulously appointed with original mahogany compartments and fittings
  • Central dressing mirror retains its original bevelled plate

• Design Significance:

  • Distinctive Sheraton traits: slender tapered legs, refined symmetry, understated neoclassical lines
  • Elegant brass castors and drop handles combine beauty with practical utility
  • The double folding lid exemplifies ingenuity in period furniture

• Collecting Value:

  • Remarkable provenance, with a direct link to Sir Joshua Reynolds and traceable ownership
  • Rare to find surviving examples retaining such a high degree of originality and detail
  • A showpiece for any collection of George III or Sheraton dressing tables

• Practical Value:

  • Suited for display in both period and modern interiors
  • An exemplary centrepiece for antique furniture collections or discerning private collectors
  • Offers functional elegance for refined dressing or as a decorative accent

The George III Dressing Table commissioned by Sir Joshua Reynolds is a testament to the artistry of late 18th-century British craftsmanship. Its provenance, period-correct details, and connection to a towering figure in the art world render it both a historical treasure and a striking example of English furniture from the Georgian period.