Regency Porphyry & Specimen Marble Table

A rare specimen Regency marble top center table with specimen marbles banding an Egyptian porphyry marble inset into a carved rosewood top resting on a single carved and reeded stem on a platform base supported by gilded bronze feet. English circa 1815. Ht. 32.75", Dia. 34"

It is likely that the porphyry top was purchased in Rome without the specimen marbles. Much of the porphyry used in table tops across Europe was salvaged from Roman era ruins. Charles Heathcote Tatham was in Rome from 1794-7 and purchased many marbles that he brought back to England--it was common practice among people on the Grand Tour. Tatham published many designs of details and, although Thomas Hope does not give Tatham credit, his work was influential on Hope and other designers of the Regency era extending to work in numerous homes including Brocklesby Hall, Southill Park, Castle Howard and Carlton House to name just a few. It is more than likely that the specimen marbles surrounding were from an English or Irish supply as it included marbles seldom used in Roman or Florentine table tops such as malachite and bluejohn. Once the top was finished, the base was designed and made. The quality of the cabinetwork is first rate and though without an absolute attribution was on the level of work done by C.H. Tatham's brother's firm, Marsh and Tatham.