Lot 418
A Scottish Regency pollard elm centre table,
Auction: 29 September 2001 at 12:00 BST
Description
possibly by William Trotter,
the circular top with lappet mouldings and shallow frieze with bead and reel moulding raised on fluted column with saucer plinth, the circular base with corresponding lappet moulding and three projecting spars with scroll feet and castors
137cm diameter, 75cm high
Footnote
Note: This table displays various particular characteristics of William Trotter, notably the common sunken bead and reel moulding to the frieze, a variety of Grecian moulding to the rim, and particularly the scroll feet. The latter in particular can be compared with the scroll feet used on the magnificent circular table in the Signet Library, Edinburgh, supplied by Trotter in 1820 for the Faculty of Advocates. This rests on a massive panelled central column and cost the equally massive sum of £57 10/.
More comparable in size, and possibly design, was the table proposed by Trotter in 1813 for George Home's 'round Lava Top' which was to have been supported by a 'Massy Pillar rising from a pedestal and carved feet', estimated cost 17guineas. In the event a table of different design was supplied to Paxton, but this 'pillar and claw' table was perhaps similar in conception to that provided to the Speirs.