the rectangular hinge top opening to reveal a folding mechanism of five steps with tooled leather treads. In the manner of Francois Hervé (fl1781-96)
Francois Hervé (fl1781-96) is known to have worked for the some of the most prestigious patrons of his day. These included the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Devonshire and Earl Spencer. Entries in the 1790 and 1793 London furniture directories record that 'F. Hervé chairmaker' worked at 32 John St, off Tottenham Court Rd. He had an earlier partnership with John Meschain of the same address. Hervé's style is generally epitomised by a light, elegant and adroit mixture of English and French detail. Many of these pieces were either painted to harmonise with interiors or else gilded. Examples of this style are best documented by the collection at Chatsworth, where Hervé worked in conjunction with the architect John Carr, under the instruction of the Duke of Devonshire.
LITERATURE
C. Gilbert, Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840, Furniture History Society, 1996, p.265
G. Beard & C. Gilbert (eds), Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840, Furniture History Society, 1986, pp.423-24