Georgian Pedestal Cupboard

A mahogany George III Pedestal Cupboard.

This Pedestal would have been one of a pair that sat on either end of a Sideboard. Gillows conceived the idea of a Sideboard with Pedestals to the sides in the early 1770s, giving extra storage space for plates and wine bottles etc. Susan Stuart discusses a pair from 1774 made for Williams Hasell in her book. Gillows described them as '... 2 handsome mahogany pedestals, one to stand at each end of the side board table with bottle cellar, cupboard & flaps for a table...'

Gillow's description matches this pedestal. The top has two flaps that rest on pullout lopers to double in size and give a table. Behind the door, which has two raised moulding panels, are a bottle cellar drawer with a cupboard to the middle and second drawer to the top. The cellar drawer does not extend the full depth of the pedestal but is sized to take exactly 12 bottles, with ring marks showing their positions. The cupboard has an axe drop latch handle and is convenient for keeping plates. The top, which forms a table is a useful working area.

The condition is good but one flap has a well disguised splice to its edge where there has been shrinkage of the timber and a small patch to the back edge.

Although meant for a specific use as part of a suite of dining room furniture, this Pedestal is a practically sized piece that would work in a number positions. It is a good height for displaying a work of art etc. and a small enough size to fit into an awkward space to give extra storage.

Probably made by Gillows. Circa 1770.

Size with flaps closed is given. Double the width for them open.