Lot 302

A 19th century Empire style bird's eye maple and parcel gilt side cabinet

Auction: 25 June 2003 at 12:00 BST
Description
the Carara marble top with projecting canted angles above pair of silk panelled doors with entwined serpent motifs flanked by canted angles with acanthus consoles, on moulded plinth base
113cm wide, 87cm high, 48cm deep
Footnote
Provenance: The Estate of Charles W. Stewart of Shambellie
Charles Stewart was a remarkable man - an outstanding artist and book illustrator; the laird of Shambellie and a knowledgeable countryman; an inspiring teacher and one-time ballet dancer; an inveterate collector and generous public benefactor.
During his life, he amassed an elegant collection of predominantly Regency furniture as well as a vast and valuable array of costume and accessories. In 1977 he gifted the latter to the nation, together with the family mansion. The following year, he also donated the lovingly restored Corn Mill to the secretary of state for Scotland. Today Shambellie House Museum of Costume (now part of NMS) and the Corn Mill (Historic Scotland) are both established and very popular attractions in the village of New Abbey near Dumfries.
