A Rare Pair of Magnificent Kingwood Gilt Metal Cabinets attributed to John McLean, Circa 1810.
Inventory Number: 8238-294
Information
The two tier brass superstructure with three short drawers above a projecting lower part having a brass bound edge over one long drawer simulated as two drawer fronts and egg & dart brass paneling; raised on round tapering ring turned gilt metal ring mounted legs joined by a shaped platform stretcher; the reverse of each cabinet fully finished in conforming design.
John McLean (1770-1825) was a major cabinetmaker in Regency London. With locations at Upper Terrace, Tottenham Court Road and 34 Marylebone Street Piccadilly, he was listed in the Westminster Poll Book of 1774. Early 19th century trade directories list "John McLean and Sons" a the Marylebone Street address. He was known for his cabinets and wrting tables that often incorporated vibrant exotic wood with gilt metal mounts. McLean was a subscriber to Thomas Sheraton's Cabinet Directory of 1803, in which he is listed as "master cabinetmaker".
Examples of his furniture are conserved in The Victoria and Albert Museum, London; Saltram, Devon and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.