8485 AChippendale mahogany extending dining table in twoparts, each section with a rectangular fold- over top above fine blind fretwork friezes and fitted with central drawers. The two parts marrying together to makeadining table or separated as either twotea tables or apair of consoles. The original circa 1760. AL54007 751/ 2x36 x 30 in. 191 x 91 x 76 cm.

8485 The South Drawing room was for a hundred yearsadining room and now serves as a reception room. It contains some splendidlyornate and important furniture, much of it French, acquired bythe First Earl Spencer for Spencer House in London. In this room are an outstanding collection of portrait paintings, predominately by Sir Joshua Reynords. Amongst these is a portrait, painted in 1786, of John Charles, Viscount Althorp. He became the Third EarlSpencer, co- founder of the Royal Agricultural Society, and he was also agreat politician. He was the Chancellor of the Exchequer and helped put through the Reform Bill. He had no heir, losing his wife in childbirth. This was one of the first rooms to be redecorated by Earl Spencer after he inherited Althorpin 1992. THE SOUTH DRAWING ROOM