A Fine Quality Amboyna Veneered George IV Period Writing Table, Attributed to Morel and Seddon c.1825-30

The overhanging rectangular top with rounded corners veneered almost entirely in amboyna with a wide crossbanding of rosewood. Under the top is a narrow frieze, and the table is supported on two shaped end supports connected by a finely turned and carved stretcher and enriched with additional carved details, such as the floral paterae to the centre of each support and the leaf carved details at the tops. The leaf carving at the bottom of the supports is particularly elegant and has been parcel gilded. The table stands on beautifully carved winged claw and shell form feet which are rendered in great detail. With the exception of the gilded areas, the carved features have been crafted from contrasting, darker, timbers in imitation of bronze and to provide visual impact against the lighter amboyna.

Although tables of this basic form were a staple of all the great George IV and late Regency period cabinetmakers, there are various features of this table that make an attribution to Morel and Seddon appropriate. The use of amboyna became something of a trademark of the firm in the late 1820s due to the large numbers of pieces veneered in this timber made for the refurbishment of Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace for George IV. The slim frieze of this table, without any drawers, is a relatively unusual feature but is found on several of the Morel tables still in the Royal Collection such as

https://www.rct.uk/collection/search#/12/collection/21910/writing-table

The carved feet and leaf supports also compare closely with their counterparts on this table, also in the Royal Collection.

https://www.rct.uk/collection/search#/9/collection/29933/writing-table

This is a highly distinctive and attractive piece with all the quality one would expect from a piece attributed to the finest maker of this period.