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Page Background 223 AN IRISH GEORGE IV ROSEWOOD D-END LIBRARY TABLE,

by Williams and Gibton, having twin frieze drawers and opposing false drawer fascia, raised on turned end supports with fluted columns and

platform base with rounded feet, 146cm long, 76cm deep, stamped in the drawer

€ 2,000 - 3,000

The final partnership of Williams & Gibton ran from 1829 when John Mack died and operated until 1842 when William Gibton died. The sofa

table in this sale is a fine example from circa 1835. Rosewood became increasingly popular for drawing room pieces after 1820. During this

period Williams & Gibton supplied the furnishings for Lissadell, Co. Sligo including sofa tables in this style. The firm also supplied furniture

for Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommon and Ballindoolin, Co. Offaly. The firm regularly stamped and numbered their pieces. Bill-heads

state that Williams & Gibton were ‘Upholsterers & Cabinet Makers to his Majesty, His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant and the Rt Hon Board

of Works’. They advertised as house agents and ‘NB auctions Valuations & Funerals Attended’. As the furniture they supplied to Lissadell

showed the firm was au fait with the current trends and styles prevalent in the early nineteenth century. Their designs were inspired by pub-

lished pattern books including the publications of George Smith and Peter and Michelangelo Nicholson. They were particular in their choice

of wood and ran a successful well organised workshop and retail outlet, supplying designs, dealing with clients, purchasing wood, training

apprentices, producing upholstery, buying and selling property and conducting funerals.