Made of parcel gilt, marquetry maple and thuya wood, it was designed by Henry Whitaker in the mid 19th century, probably as part of a suite for the Conservative and Unionist Club in London, another piece from which is currently in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
However, the example in question was lately part of the collection of singer-songwriter Roger Whittaker (The Wind Beneath My Wings and New World in the Morning). It stood in the Magnificent Blue Room in the stately home next to his piano.
It is offered at Chorley’s sale of July 24-25 with an estimate of £20,000-30,000.
Other pieces on offer from the property include a 19th century ormolu mounted Kingwood cabinet, estimated at £6000-8000, a Vernis Martin three-panel scree estimated at £2000-3000 and a French singing bird automaton guidedat £2000-3000.
The auction also includes clocks and works of art from Gloucester’s Foscombe House, such as a George III bracket clock by John Ellicott estimated at £10,000-15,000.
