Antique George III 1780s ? Mahogany small wash stand with copeland wash bowl etc

Antique George III 1780s Mahogany small wash stand with copeland wash bowl etc.

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This exquisite small washstand would have been used in a large Georgian house, late 1700s, amazing.

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Lovely small drop handles attached to a hand made pull out drawer.

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Considering it's 250 years old it's in remarkable condition. Some age related wear, with a small repair to bottom shelf (been glued, small trim missing one side and a faded water mark to shelf. All hardly noticeable and you can forgive it because of age etc )

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The three piece copeland spode blue Italian jug, wash bowl and soap dish are a later edition, probably 1870s, can be forgiven - 150 years old !! not unusual

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There is some age related wear, a few chips etc but they really add to the look ( the bowl could be filled with flowers etc look great in a hallway etc

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Please note I can reduce the price if you wish to purchase just the washstand without the copeland spode items or vice versa ? Please contact us for pricing etc

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35 cm wide

33 cm depth

80 cm tall

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George III washstands (c.1760-1820) were elegant, functional bedroom furniture, typically mahogany, featuring pierced tops for ceramic basins, jug holders (often on lower shelves), drawers for toiletries, and distinctive splayed or turned legs, reflecting Georgian style, with popular makers like Gillows creating iconic designs. They evolved from simple basin stands to more complex designs, often featuring marble tops and tiled backs later in the period, serving as essential hygienic furniture before indoor plumbing became common.

Key Features & Design:

Material: Most commonly fine mahogany, sometimes with inlaid details.

Structure: Often two-tiered, with a pierced top to hold a washbasin and sometimes cups for brushes.

Storage: Included drawers (sometimes with brass handles) and lower shelves or pot boards for water jugs and soap.

Legs: Tapered, splayed, or turned legs, sometimes with stretchers for stability.

Variations: Corner washstands were popular, fitting neatly into rooms.

Evolution: Transitioned from timber tops to marble tops, often with tiled splashbacks, as the Georgian era ended and into the Regency.

Historical Context:

Function: Essential for personal hygiene in bedrooms before bathrooms with running water existed.

Manufacturers: Renowned cabinetmakers like Gillows produced high-quality examples.

Style: Defined by Georgian elegance, with later pieces showing influences leading to Regency styles (like bow fronts).

Identifying a George III Washstand:

Look for classic Georgian characteristics: fine wood, pierced top, tiered structure, drawers, and elegant leg designs, usually made around the late 18th to early 19th century.

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George III's reign was from October 25, 1760, to January 29, 1820, lasting nearly 60 years. He reigned as King of Great Britain and Ireland until 1801 and then as King of the United Kingdom until his death in 1820. His long reign included significant events like the loss of the American colonies, the Napoleonic Wars, and his own periods of mental illness.

Dates: October 25, 1760 – January 29, 1820

Kingdoms:

Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1760–1801)

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1801–1820)

King of Hanover (1814–1820)

Key events:

The American Revolution (1775–1783), which resulted in the loss of the American colonies.

The Napoleonic Wars, which concluded near the end of his reign.

Periods of illness, particularly a significant bout of mental illness that led to the Regency period under his son, George IV.

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Spode's history began with Josiah Spode I in the 1770s, mastering underglaze blue printing and later developing true bone china, a revolutionary ceramic body. After Spode II's death, the Copeland family became major partners and eventually sole owners, running the business as W. T. Copeland & Sons, marking wares "Copeland late Spode" for over a century, known for fine porcelain, popular patterns like Blue Italian, and adapting to new styles like Art Deco. The company remained in family hands until 1966, continuing to innovate before later acquisitions by Portmeirion Group, but the Spode name endures as a hallmark of quality British pottery.

Key Eras & Developments:

The Spode Foundation (1770s-1797): Josiah Spode I established the factory, perfecting underglaze blue printing (c. 1784) and laying the groundwork for true English porcelain.

Josiah Spode II & Bone China (1797-1827): Josiah Spode II returned from London, produced the first true bone china (around 1799-1800), and introduced iconic patterns like Blue Italian.

The Copeland Takeover (1833-1966): William Taylor Copeland, initially a partner, acquired full control in 1833, with the Copeland family managing the firm for over 120 years.

"Copeland Late Spode" Era (19th-20th Centuries): The company produced vast quantities of dinnerware, introduced new bodies like Royal Alba, and adapted to Art Deco designs, using classic Spode patterns.

Modern Era: The company became W. T. Copeland & Sons Ltd (1932), eventually changing its name to Spode (1970) to honor the founder. It later merged with Royal Worcester (1970s) and was acquired by the Portmeirion Group in 2009, preserving the legacy.

Key Innovations & Marks:

Bone China: Spode's mastery of bone china made it world-renowned.

Transfer Printing: Spode's technique for underglaze blue printing revitalized the industry.

"Copeland Late Spode": Common backstamp from the Copeland family's ownership era.

Date Codes: Impressed letters/numbers helped date pieces (e.g., J over 33 for Jan 1933).