A REGENCY PERIOD MAHOGANY AND BRASS-INLAID DRUM TABLE ATTRIBUTED TO JOHN MCLEAN
Diameter: 42” 107 cm
Provenance
Private Collection, London UK
A George III revolving mahogany and brass mounted drum table, the top inset with a panel of green hide above four drawers and standing on a tripod base.
MCLEAN & SON
This drum table relates closely to the work of John McLean & Son, a cabinet-making firm who practiced at Marylebone Street in London from the end of the 18th century until 1825. The use of gilt-lacquered brass mounts figure prominently in McLean's work, and the detail of a star-form drawer pull, appears on a sofa table by McLean, which is illustrated in S. Redburn, 'John McLean and Son', Furniture History, 1978, vol.xiv, pl.41B.
McLeans work display the distinct fusion of Grecian and Egyptian motifs with early 19th century Parisian fashion. The firm advertised that it specialized in 'Elegant Parisian Furniture' and many elements of this table have a clear French influence combined with English restraint.
McLean and Son also gained a notable mention in Thomas Sheraton's Cabinet Dictionary in 1803. One of the 'fashionable Pieces of Cabinet Furniture' included a 'Pouch Table', whose design was taken and 'executed by Mr. M'Lean in Mary-le-bone street, near Tottenham court road, who finishes these small articles in the neatest manner'