Secretaire, French, 1770-1780, stamped M. Carlin

Writing cabinet, marquetry of hare wood, holly and other woods. Mounts of gilt brass (ormolu). The top is of mottled red and yellow marble (replacement) of rectangular form with canted front corners. Below a gilt brass frieze (front and ends). The hinged fall front is lined with green leather and gives access to: a double partition; single partition; pair of drawers, and a partition flanked by a pair of drawers. Below are cupboard doors giving access to: a shelf; column of two drawers, and a fall front partition.
The interior is veneered with tulip wood. The front and ends are decorated with a marquetry design of rosettes in circles.
The maker's name 'M.CARLIN' is impressed twice in the wood at the top, near the front corners.

Part of the Arthur James Collection, bequeathed by his wife

Mrs Arthur James bequeathed 52 pieces to the V&A including French and English 18th century furniture, mirrors, ceramics and silverware which were received by the museum in July 1948. The bequest was conditional on the collection being called ‘The Arthur James Collection, bequeathed by his wife.
Acquisition RP (Nominal File, James, Mrs Arthur, MA/1/J150) records negotations over the bequest, which include 9 pieces of furniture, W.36 to W.43A-1948. Mrs James lived at Coton House, Rugby and 3 Grafton Street, London.

On loan to Cliffe Castle Museum.

W.39-1948