A pair of Boulle Cabinets

A pair of Boulle Cabinets. This exquisite pair of Boulle side cabinets by Town and Emanuel are of rectangular form with stepped tops, shaped glazed doors and low plinths. Both are intricately worked in brass, red tortoiseshell and ebony boullework round the glazing and applied with foliate brass mouldings. They also bear the original paper makers labels reading: 103. Bond Street, Town and Emanuel, by appointment to Her Majesty, Old Paintings, Bronzes, Carvings, Oriental & other China, Jewellery & Curiosities; Manufacturers of Buhl Marquetrie, Resner & carved furniture, Tripods, Screens & c. of the Finest & most superb Designs of the Times of Louis 14th, splendid Cabinets & tables and inlaid with fine Sevre & Dresden China & c. Circa 1835.

These cabinets carry the label of Town and Emanuel, who established their business at 103 Bond Street around 1830. During the period of their partnership, which lasted until 1839-40, they attracted commissions from some of the leading patrons of the period. In addition to Queen Adelaide, wife of William IV, the firm received orders from the 3rd Lord Braybrooke for furniture supplied for either Audley End or Lord Braybrookes London house, and from the Duke of Sutherland for Stafford House, St.James. A table by Town and Emanuel, bearing the identical label to that on these cabinets, was formerly in the collection of the Duke of Buccleuch. These cabinets are typlical of their work, with lavish brass and tortoiseshell inlay inspired by the work of the great French Ebeniste Andre Charles Boulle.