George III mahogany oval brass bound wine cooler of the Adam period

An important George III mahogany oval brass bound wine cooler of the Adam period on a fine original base, fluted, with moulded legs ending in leather castors, retaining the lining and a brass tap decorated with a dolphin for draining water. Outstanding colour and patination C1780.

Robert Adam in the ‘Works of Architecture’ writes that Englishmen are ‘accustomed by habit or induced by the nature of our climate to indulge more largely in the enjoyment of the bottle’ than the French, and this tendency accounts for the great focus on the design and making of the cellaret, an extremely important addition to the dining room in the second partof the 18th and early 19th century. The cellaret, or wine-cooler, was usually kept under the sideboard, and wheeled out on its castors when required

This late 18th century George III oval cellaret is a particularly fine example of craftsmanship. The cabinet maker has paid great attention to detail on the base, see the fluting around it, and on the square legs and the original brackets. Just as important, it has a lovely mellow colour and good patination, also original brass binding and the original lead lining, not forgetting a tap in the shape of a dolphin (for draining) , a symbol of good luck.

Nowadays, this piece can double up as a table and focal point between , say, two armchairs in the main room of a modern home,
as well as storing twelve bottles, which for special occasions can be kept chilled with bags of ice.

Measurements
63.50 cm or25″ wide
46cm or 18″ deep
71cm or 28″ high