A fine 18th century George III Adam period mahogany center or side table of small proportions, in the neoclassical taste,

English, circa 1770.

Why we like it

With its unusual fluted frieze and legs, evoking classical antiquity and finished all around, this table is certainly designed by an architect. Its unusually small proportions suggest that it was designed for a specific purpose, perhaps, as a stand for a scientific instrument or collector's cabinet.

History

Robert Adam, Britain's most fashionable architect, interior and furniture designer of the late 18th century and one of the main proponent of the neoclassical style in architecture and design, inspired by antiquity, is known to have designed furniture that complimented architectural decorations of a particular interior for which it was intended. His interiors at Kenwood House, Osterley Park, Harewood House, Nostell Priory and etc. feature a number of such items.