George I gilt gesso side table owned by 1st Earl of Mountbatten of Burma

Once owned by the 1st Earl of Mountbatten of Burma, and thence by descent, we are pleased to be offering this George I gilt gesso side table.

Dating to circa 1720, this table relates to a group of carved gilt gesso tables produced by James Moore and other leading cabinet-makers of the period, including the Pelletiers and John Belchier. These works were inspired by late Baroque designs published by Daniel Marot (1661-1752) in the early 18th century. Marot's designs for interiors and furnishings - including ceilings, fittings and headboards - frequently incorporated strap work, patera, carved acanthus and flowerheads, all executed in shallow relief on a punched ground, as seen on the present table.

Carved gilt gesso tables of this type demonstrate the high status of their original owners, with this table bearing a monogram or cypher to the central cartouche.

A Pair of Louis XV Beauvais Tapestries

Dating from circa 1740, this pair of Louis XV Beauvais tapestries comes from the celebrated series Des Fables de La Fontaine after Jean-Baptiste Oudry. Richly decorated, the tapestries illustrate La Lice et sa Compagne (The Bitch and Her Companion) and Les Deux Chèvres, le Renard et le Buste (The Two Goats, the Fox and the Bust).

Of particular historical interest, they come fresh to the market from a private collection, where they have remained for the past 20 years. It is rare to find an 18th-century pair, as such works were often split over time. This was the case here, as the tapestries were sold separately in 1981 as individual lots. In subsequent years, however, they were reunited and are now offered together once more, as originally intended.

A Pair of George II Armchairs

As architects and furniture designers, William Kent (1685-1748) and John Vardy (1718-1765) played a central role in shaping the appearance and cultural ideals of early Georgian Britain, particularly through architecture, landscape design, and the decorative arts. Between 1735 and 1748, William Kent worked as Deputy Surveyor to the Office of Works during which a close relationship was formed with the architect John Vardy (1718-1765). Kent was Vardy's senior at the Office of Works and frequently sketched Kent's designs, many of which survive today. Their work helped shift British taste away from rigid classical formality toward a more expressive style that reflected a distinct national identity.

In this auction, we have this pair of George II carved mahogany chairs. Dating to circa 1740, these chairs are made in the style of and closely following the designs of Kent and Vardy. This is particularly noted in the intricate carving and design, most notably the scrolling arms. Close comparisons can also be made to a pair of armchairs designed by Vardy and supplied to John Spencer, later 1^st Earl Spencer (1734-1783) for the Palm Room at Spencer House, circa 1758.

A Rare Sèvres 'Vase Hollandois'

From the selection of ceramics, we have this exceptional Sèvres vase hollandais. From the property of a notable English family, this rare and important piece once belonged to Amelia Bischoffsheim, the daughter of the prominent 19th-century financier, and has remained in the family ever since. As such, it can be stated with considerable confidence, that this vase hollandois has not appeared on the open market for approximately 150 years.

A vase hollandois is essentially a flowerpot, designed either for the cultivation of bulbs in soil or for the display of cut flowers. The lower section functions as a reservoir for water. These vases were produced in three sizes; the third and largest size - introduced from 1758 - is the rarest. The example offered by Dreweatts belongs to this most elusive category.

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A Regency Breakfront Side Cabinet Attributed to George Bullock

The auction also includes a number of private collections. From a Norfolk collection (Lots 105-157), we have this Regency rosewood, ebony and brass marquetry breakfront side cabinet, attributed to George Bullock, circa 1815.

It features a striking breakfront Mona marble top. In 1806, Bullock bought a marble quarry on the island of Anglesey, Wales, for the sum of £1,000.  The distinctive 'Mona' marble was shipped to his workshops in Liverpool and later London and was used almost exclusively by him until his death in 1818.

The Collection from Swiftsden House, East Sussex

We also have a selection of pieces from the collection at Swiftsden House (Lots 192-207). Exuding elegance and eclecticism, the collection places classic English furniture alongside sculpture of varying scale, and statement decorative pieces from other areas of the world.

An excellent balance between practical period pieces alongside those carrying strong visual appeal can be seen from this curated group from a fine family home.

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Auction Details

Wednesday 18 February 2026, 10.30am GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

Bidding is available in person at our salerooms, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids.

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Dreweatts Newbury: Donnington Priory, RG14 2JE

• Friday 13 February: 10am-4pm
• Saturday 14 February: 10am-3pm
• Sunday 15 February: 10am-3pm
• Monday 16 February: 10am-4pm
• Tuesday 17 February: 10am-4pm

Further Information: 
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