Former Bonhams duo launch The Pedestal
A writing desk that once purportedly belonged to the 18th century actor David Garrick will be part of the range of furniture from across three centuries included in an auction that will be the inaugural event from The Pedestal.
The brainchild of former Bonhams’ specialists Sally Stratton & Guy Savill, they describe The Pedestal as a new destination for buying and selling fine antique furniture and objects of distinction. The auction will take place at Moor Park Mansion in Hertfordshire.
Sally Stratton said, “Launching The Pedestal gave us the opportunity to take a fresh look at how best to showcase fine furniture, works of art and other objects. We couldn’t be more excited to be holding our first auction in the stunning setting of Moor Park.”
The writing desk that is believed to have been owned by David Garrick of Hendon Hall, London, is a George III fiddleback mahogany, satinwood and chequerbanded architectural writing cabinet attributed to John Okely in the style of David Roentgen.
Other key lots in the auction will include:
A fine George I walnut bureau cabinet in the manner of the London cabinet-makers Coxed and Woster. with a fully fitted interior and original mirror plates the cabinet is estimated at £60,000-80,000.
A rare early 18th century George I green japanned kneehole desk decorated with gilt chinoiseries and retaining an exceptionally high degree of the original decoration, estimated at £40,000-60,000.
The sale includes a selection of fine objects from across the centuries, from 17th century boxes to a fascinating stylised mid-20th century bronze bust by the influential sculptor and designer Dora Gordine (1895-1991), estimated at £1500- 2000.
The second phase of The Pedestal’s business will be a fixed price online platform, due to launch in November.