An Italian polychrome painted bureau, Reputed to have been owned by A. a Milne, late 18th/early 19th century, the broken pediment above two panelled doors and candle slides, the lower section with a fall front writing surface enclosing an interior fitted with short drawers and a storage compartment, the base with three serpentine front drawers the whole painted with foliate panels on a red ground with gilt highlights, block supports, 96. 5 x 234 x 60 cm. Published: Christie's Melbourne, 29th & 30th October 1997, lot 239. note: one of Britain's best known authors, Alan Alexander Milne (1882-1956) was most famous for the iconic children's book character Winnie-the-Pooh and his companions, Christopher Robin, Eeyore, Tigger, Piglet and Kanga. It is believed that this bureau was part of the furnishings of Milne's country property, Cotchford farm in Hartford, along with other Italian painted furniture, becoming part of the backdrop to his literary creations.