A Mid-18th Century console with veneered marble
top on a frieze supported by an eagle with spread wings. The style
of Italian baroque grandeur exemplified by this table was first introduced
to English furniture by William Kent. The original pair of consoles
comes from the residence of Ditchley Park, just outside of Oxford,
England. Built in 1722 the Mansion is historically important, from
early connections with Charles II to its use as a weekend retreat
for Winston Churchill and members of his War Cabinet during 1940
and 1941. It was tastefully restored by Ronald and Nancy Tree (later
Nancy Lancaster of Colefax).
The original consoles are in the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon
Getty of San Francisco.
