These splendid pedestal urns (FS18/813) were an early idea of practical storage for the dining room, being a precursor of the sideboard. They might stand elegantly flanking a sideboard and were produced in the finest furniture workshops including those of Thomas Chippendale. In fact, a very similar pair to those being offered at Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood’s Fine Sale are to be found at Paxton House in Berwickshire, which are certainly the work of Chippendale.
A pair of George III mahogany pedestal urns (FS18/813)
Eventually the logic of joining the serving table to the storage cupboards in the pedestals became inescapable and the sideboard was born.
Nevertheless fine examples of these early pedestals are highly sought-after and this pair, being of exceptional quality, is expected to fetch £120,000-£160,000 when offered for auction in the fine sale at Okehampton Street, Exeter, Devon on 25th April 2013. I look forward to reporting back on their hammer price after they have been sold.
