18th c. Thomas Sheraton Furniture Engraving Of A Pair Of Reading And Writing Tables, From The Cabinet Maker And Upholsterer’s Drawing Book

Garnett Terry, London, 1792; Antique copperplate engraving from Thomas Sheraton’s landmark 18th century design and instruction manual for furniture designers, "The Cabinet Maker And Upholsterer’s Drawing Book In Four Parts." Plate #44 from Part III, showing two table designs, which Sheraton described as follows: "The left-hand table is to write and read at. The top is lined with leather or green cloth, and cross-banded. To stop the book there are two brass plates let in, with key-holes; and in the molding, which is to stop the book, there are two pins with heads and shoulders, by which the molding is effectually secured. The right-hand table is meant to write at only. The top part takes off from the under part, which, having a bead let in at the back and ends of the top, prevents the top part from moving out of its place. This table being made for the convenience of moving from one room to another, there is a handle fixed on to the upper shelf, as the drawing shows. In the drawer is a slider to write on, and on the right-hand of it ink, sand, and pens. The sizes are shown by the scales." Designed and drawn by Thomas Sheraton, engraved by G. Walker. Published by Garnett Terry, July 16th, 1792. An original plate, not a reproduction. Sheet size 7 3/4" x 10 1/2", matte window 7 1/4" x 10". Hinge mounted entirely acid free and matted with 100% rag museum board in 11" x 14" size, ready for framing. Fine condition, clean, bright, and sharp. Scarce.