An Exquisite and Very Unusual Inlaid Side Table Attributable to Ince & Mayhew.
A Mid Eighteenth Century inlaid satinwood and mahogany side table of most unusual and rare design. The table being multi-functional in that it can be used as a side table against a wall, as a table next to a bed or an armchair, or as originally intended as a small writing table. Having an inlaid top with a classical book open to reveal text and foliage above a slide with a leather lined surface. The recess below is inlaid and banded and has a concave shelf to allow the user to sit and write at the table. The reverse has a pull up fire screen to protect the user. The sides inlaid with a rosette and ribbons above entwined husks.
Ince & Mayhew were a renowned firm of English cabinetmakers during the late 18th century, known for their exquisite craftsmanship and contributions to the field of furniture making. The partnership of Thomas Ince and John Mayhew produced some of the finest furniture of the Georgian period.
Thomas Ince was a skilled cabinetmaker and designer. He was known for his expertise in creating intricate marquetry and inlay work. Ince’s designs often featured neoclassical elements, which were popular during the Georgian era. He had a talent for incorporating detailed ornamentation and classical motifs into his furniture pieces.
John Mayhew was a master craftsman who specialized in carving and woodworking. He was skilled at producing intricate wood carvings that adorned many of Ince & Mayhew’s furniture designs. His carvings often showcased elaborate detailing and added a sense of grandeur to their pieces.
The partnership between Ince and Mayhew flourished during a time when there was a growing demand for high-quality, beautifully crafted furniture. Their work appealed to the upper echelons of society and gained them a reputation for producing exquisite pieces that combined elegant design with masterful craftsmanship.
Ince & Mayhew’s furniture pieces often featured intricate marquetry, delicate inlays, and finely carved details. They created a wide range of furniture, including tables, chairs, cabinets, and other pieces, all characterized by their attention to detail and artistic flair. Their work incorporated a mix of styles, including neoclassical, rococo, and Georgian influences.
Although the partnership of Ince & Mayhew was relatively short-lived, their legacy endures through their surviving furniture pieces, which are highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts of antique furniture. The firm’s work remains celebrated for its contribution to the development of English furniture-making during the 18th century, and their pieces continue to be regarded as exemplars of craftsmanship and design from that era.
Origination: English
Height: 29” 74cms
Width: 22.5” 57cms
Depth: 15” 38cms