Lot 105

AN IMPORTANT REGENCY OAK TRIPLE PILLAR DINING TABLE BY GEORGE BULLOCK

the ‘D’-end top crossbanded with burr oak and inlaid with a border of ‘bog oak’, each of the turned and tapered pedestals with leaf, berry and floral patera cast bronze collars, on four outswept sabre legs terminating in brass toes and castors, 73cm high x 167cm wide x 465cm long

Please note: It is the sole responsibility of the buyer to ensure adequate personnel and equipment are provided for the safe removal of this Lot. It has been suggested that the border is ebony rather than bog oak.

Condition Report:	click here
Estimate:	£50,000 - £100,000
Hammer price:	£80,000

Bidding ended. Lot has been sold.

George Bullock (d. 1818) was one of the most innovative British furniture designers of the Regency period. He gained renown working on such projects as the aforementioned Longwood House, to furnish the new home of the exiled Emperor Napoleon, where he exhibited his capacity to produce fashionable works in the French taste to the highest degree of excellence (see lot 23).

Following the fall of Bonaparte and the accession of King George IV, Bullock is also among the first and most highly rated cabinet makers to adopt a wholly more British and modern style. This table demonstrates a popular move away from the austere lines of earlier Regency furniture towards works of more imposing and impressive proportions. Furthermore, the naturalistic leaf and flower ornaments adopted on the ormolu mounts of the pillars greater contrast the table from the formal and classical motifs of Bullock's early works.

Bullock also leads the market in advocating a greater use of native woods, as shown in this lot, which inspires Richard Brown to say of Bullock 'He has shewn that we need not roam to foreign climes for beautiful ornaments'. The popularity of this style is clearly shown in the Stock and Trade sale of Bullock's estate, where lots 96-134 were all occupied by such native veneers. (Levy, 1988, pg.48).

The brass inlay of the earlier styles, which contrasted well against darker woods, became less effective and, as in the case here, greater use is made of cross-cut woods. One commentator states: 'Pollard oak is now so well understood and so beautiful when thus applied that they need no other recommendation to the admirer of superior furniture' (Musgrave, pg.77).

This table follows a form known to be by Bullock and often imitated. See the English ebony-inlaid brown oak dining table offered at Christie's, The Anne & Gordon Getty Collection: Volume 3, 22nd October 2022, Lot 398. This repeats the ebonised 'beads and stringing' as seen on this table as well as the design of the gilt metal collar. In the Inventory of the Contents of The Mansion Bridehead by Messrs Phillips Son & Neale the table appears to be listed as 'A set of oak dining tables'.

Literature: Levy, Martin, The Sale of Bullock's Stock in Trade, London, 1988.

Musgrave, Clifford, Regency Furniture 1800-1830, London, 1961.

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