Church Street Antiques

Description

Music Reading Stand attributable to Thomas & William Wilkinson of London
English
circa 1800 - 1810
Early 19th century Regency period adjustable reading/music stand - 12" diam x 58.5"h

The ratcheted rectangular mahogany top with a solid inset with ebony outline stringing is crossbanded on solid mahogany mouldings. The detachable reading slip sits in place to hold music sheets. The top will slide horizontally to one side so as to allow more than one musician to read and play at the same time.

The metamorphic top with fine reeded edges sits above the original gilt brass collar moulding and a gilt brass pin. The mahogany support is pierced with several holes to allow various heights reaching a maximum height of 102.00 cm. The mahogany and ebony inlaid pedestal is finished to all four sides and conceals the metamorphic column when the music stand is at its lowest point of 75.00 cm.

The music table is supported on a characteristic stepped pedestal that is seen mainly on Thomas and William Wilkinson furniture. The concave plinth base is decorated with roundels above ebonised ring turned and tapered toes that terminate on original gilt brass capped castors.

N.B.
I personally like the ingenuity of the concave base, allowing musical feet to be quite close to the reading table!
Condition
Excellent
Literature
The stepped pedestal can be seen in the 'Pictorial Dictionary of MARKED LONDON FURNITURE 1700-1840' published by Furniture History Society/Maney.
Page 472, illustration 958.