An interesting and impressive carved walnut, boxwood and pewter inlaid center table with swan and bulrush base, probably modeled on an engraved design said to be by Harriet Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, duchess of Sutherland (1806–1868)

Of solid and veneered figured walnut, box wood ebony and pewter. The circular shaped walnut figured veneer top centered by an inlaid foliate boxwood  roundel with pewter and ebony fillet edge. The outer cross-banded border with a further ebony and pewter fillet. The wavy edge  with a continuous carved lotus molding. From the top is suspended a profusely carved pierced rocaille apron. The base with bulrush carved stem is surrounded by three carved swans with upturned necks. The triform base profusely carved with aquatic plant leafs and buds and is raised on massive carved paw feet. 

This highly distinctive table, the base of which is composed of three swans gathered around a stem of bullrushes and resting on a triform platform with aquatic plants, is very likely made after a design that appeared in The Art Journal Illustrated Catalog: The Industry of All Nations 1851, describing the exhibits of the 1851 Great Exhibition (figure 1). 

The exhibition table itself was prominently included on the stand of George Morant, and was rendered in white painted and gilded decoration. Intriguingly, the catalog description attributes the idea for its design to Harriet Sutherland-Leveson-Gower, Duchess of Sutherland, and it formed part of the furnishing of her London home, Stafford House. The duchess, who served as Mistress of the Robes and was a close friend of Queen Victoria, was one of the leading society figures of the age.  Stafford House became an important social center, with the Duchess engaging in various philanthropic efforts; she also played a significant role as a vociferous critic of American slavery. On a visit to Stafford House the Queen famously remarked to the Duchess “I have come from my house to your palace,”¹ such was the scale and splendor of its interiors.