Figured Walnut George II 18th Century Kneehole Desk Attributed to Elizabeth Bell

Figured Walnut George II 18th Century Kneehole Desk Attributed to Elizabeth Bell

A Fine George II Figured Walnut Kneehole Desk Attributed to Elizabeth Bell & Sons, 1740-1758.

The superb quarter veneered figured walnut top is bordered by a fine feather stringing, cross-banded and edged with cross-grain ovolo mouldings on re-entered corners.

Six oak lined drawers bearing their original locks and handles/escutcheons surround the central cupboard which opens on its original shaped H-hinges. The shaped frieze is book-matched in well-chosen veneers and opens as a hidden drawer.

The desk closely relates to a labelled example by Elizabeth Bell, illustrated in ‘Early Georgian Furniture 1715-1740’ by Adam Bowett, page 123, plate 3:56.

Elizabeth Bell succeeded her husband Henry in 1740 and her son Phillip succeeded her in or before 1758. They worked in the foremost region for fine furniture production in the late 17th and early 18th century, St Pauls Churchyard, London.