Maryland, circa 1790, upper legs inlaid with elliptical paterae above bellflower husks, brass casters, poplar and oak secondary, while closed 28-3/4 x 33 x 20-1/4 in., while open 28-3/4 x 33 x 41-1/2 in.
Provenance: Sumpter Priddy III, Inc., Philadelphia Antiques April 2012 Show; The Delany Collection of American Furniture and Decorative Arts
Note: The Baltimore cabinetmaking firm of Bankson and Lawson was arguably the first in the mid-Atlantic region to engage in the large-scale production of high-style British neoclassical furniture. Founded in 1785, its principal designer was John Lawson, an English émigré who trained in the premiere London firm of Seddon and Company, Cabinetmakers to His Majesty King George, III. There Lawson learned to make such progressive continental forms as secrétaire à abattant, serpentine sideboards, cylinder desks, and tambour desks. Shortly after arriving in Baltimore in 1784, he joined the Pennsylvania-born businessman John Bankson, and together the two quickly garnered the support of Maryland's richest and most style conscious clients, eager to assume the role of "tastemakers" for the growing port city. The firm was so highly respected on all social levels that Lawson also became President of the Baltimore Society of Cabinetmakers, and led its members in the 1788 citywide parade that celebrated the ratification of the Constitution.
This Pembroke table represents the earliest phase of style and workmanship from the Bankson and Lawson shop, and is closest to the London prototypes that inspired their work. It has features that strongly suggest it originates in the mid-1780s, shortly after Lawson emigrated. These include the delicate legs that stand high on brass casters; an exaggerated elliptical top, and the thin mahogany stock used to construct the piece. Likewise, it has a chain of four graduated bellflower husks on the outer face of each leg. Each husk not only flares boldly outward and curls upward at each end, but also has serrated lower edges Upon close inspection it is clear that, instead of the three segments commonly found on most Baltimore husks, here, the cabinetmaker inserted two additional leaf tips on some of the flowers, bringing to five the total number of components, and making this among the most complex of the designs produced in the early Chesapeake.
From this fine early table, it is possible to follow the evolution of the Pembroke table in early Baltimore, and to trace the city's expanding influence in the mid-Atlantic region during the 1790s and beyond.
Richard Lawson left the firm in 1793 and entered the lumber business. His portrait by artist Charles Peale Polk is in the collection of the Maryland Historical Society.
For further information on Bankson and Lawson see "The Genesis of Neoclassical Style in Baltimore Furniture," Sumpter Priddy III, J. Michael Flanigan, and Gregory Weidman, in American Furniture (Milwaukee: The Chipstone Foundation, in association with the University Press of New England, 2000), 59-99. [I DO NOT KNOW THE SOURCE OF THIS NOTE. IT CAME PASTED IN VAULT BUT DOES NOT APPEAR IN PROVIDED PAPERWORK. PLEASE CONFIRM IT SHOULD BE USED EVEN WITH LACK OF ATTRIBUTION]
Available payment options
Sumpter Priddy III, Inc., Philadelphia Antiques April 2012 Show; The Delany Collection of American Furniture and Decorative Arts
per Sumpter Priddy 2012 notes, "When acquired, the table survived in fine structural condition but retained very little finish. It was missing some of the inlaid leaves of the husks and a portion of the three part banding across one end. The secondary areas had lost four of the original glue blocks. It retained the original square brass cups at the tips of the feet, but was missing the rollers.
In February and early March of 2012, Libertytown, Maryland furniture conservators Steve Leckemby and Alan Buisch restored the missing inlay details and brought up the shellac finish. The British firm of Optimum Brass cast reproduction rollers based upon originals in their collection."
additionally, we note sun fading and typical minor wear, patch to apron lower edge
Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.
