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Attributed to GEORGE OAKLEY OF LONDON (1786-c.1819) Regency secretaire cabinet (c. 1810 England)

Goncalo Alves

170.00cm high 78.00cm wide   42.00cm deep (66.93 inches high  30.71 inches wide  16.54 inches deep)

The present secretaire belongs to a a distinctive group of cabinets sharing characteristics suggestive of a common source of manufacture. In particular two examples which bears the same configuration of pediment are recorded in the M.H. de Young Museum and the Grosvenor House Antiques Fair Handbook, 1986, p.83. Further closely related cabinets in the group include an example of almost identical form with the exception of the pediment in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum (w.15-1930), illustrated in Ralph Edward (ed.) Victoria and Albert Museum, Georgian Furniture, 1958, pl. 150 and another illustrated in H. Blairman & Sons Ltd., exhibition catalogue, 1995, No. 4.
The basis of the association of the above group with the leading Regency cabinet-maker George Oakley stems from close stylistic parallels with a bookcase and a wardrobe supplied by him to Charles Madryll Cheere for Papworth Hall, Cambridgeshire in 1810 (see Margaret Jourdain, English Empire Furniture made by George Oakley, Architectural Review, 1920, vol. 48).

Fine original condition, very good colour and patination.

Regency period Goncalo Alves secretaire cabinet, the pair of mirror backed lancet astragal doors enclosing adjustable shelves, the base with a fall-front secretaire drawer enclosing satinwood fitted drawers and pigeon holes.
Inlaid throughout with boxwood stringing, and with ebonised applied carving.