A fine early 19th Century Rosewood Writing Table after designs by John Mc Lean having rosewood crossbanded rectangular gilt brass edged top with ‘Greek Key’ gallery above 2 frieze drawers, supported on Lyre end supports with shaped cross stretcher.
 
Towards the end of the 18th century and into the Regency period during the early 19th century, several names spring to the mind connected to the cabinet making industry.  Thomas Sheraton, Henry Holland, Thomas Hope, Morel and Seddon, Marsh and Tatham, to name but a few.  All were influential during the Napoleonic era where the taste for 'The Antique' were familiar to patrons of taste.
 
Another name though was still influenced by the French cabinet makers.  John McLean was included in Thomas Sheraton's Cabinet Makers Dictionary, circa 1803.  Long before that though, McLean was listed in the Westminster Poll book of 1774, established in Upper Terrace, Tottenham Court Road and later at 34 Marylebone Street, Piccadilly.  He certainly moved around London's fashionable West End.  From 1809-1814, the company was known as John McLean & Son, Upholder 58 Upper Marylebone Street.  From 1814 to 1825, William McLean joins the family at the same address.
 
John McLean was known for his fine desks, writing tables and cabinets.  He was influenced by the French cabinet maker, Weisweiler.  McLean's work consisted of extremely fine brass inlay and chased mounts on items of furniture, and this writing table is a fine example of his work.  The rectangular top with rounded edges, in beautifully figured rosewood is also crossbanded in rosewood.  The brass edge is mounted with a pierced brass Greek key gallery, above two oak-lined frieze drawers with brass beading.  On the reverse side of this wring table are false drawers in a mirror image and decorated the same way.  The original brass star-shaped handles and escutcheons are a striking feature.
 
The table is raised on lyre end supports with a shaped cross stretcher, all with brass beading to mirror the decoration.  The supports end with chased brass mounts of leaf design and original brass castors.
 
For further information see 'Furniture History' 1978 John McLean and Son by Simon Redburn