Table
1810-1830 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Straw marquetry was known as early as the 17th century, but it was most popular in the period 1780–1830 in France and Britain. The straw was split and flattened, then glued into place on thin paper on which the design had been drawn. This was then glued to a wooden carcase, which was usually covered first with a thicker paper. The maker could divide the straw into two, four or more strips, depending on the fineness needed for the design. Colour could be added to the surface with various varnishes, which also enhanced the glossy appearance of the marquetry. Straw marquetry was most suitable for small objects such as tea chests or work boxes but occasionally larger pieces of furniture, such as this table, were decorated in this way. Because straw work is very fragile, it is rare for pieces to survive in good condition.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | wood veneered in straw marquetry |
| Brief description | Table, veneered in straw marquetry, English, 1810-1830 |
| Physical description | Table, of pine wood, veneered in coloured straw marquetry. The octagonal top, decorated in the centre with a bouquet of coloured flowers and bordered with arabesque designs, is seated on an octagonal column decorated with arabesque designs, which is supported on tripod legs similarly decorated. |
| Credit line | Given by H.M. Queen Mary |
| Summary | Straw marquetry was known as early as the 17th century, but it was most popular in the period 1780–1830 in France and Britain. The straw was split and flattened, then glued into place on thin paper on which the design had been drawn. This was then glued to a wooden carcase, which was usually covered first with a thicker paper. The maker could divide the straw into two, four or more strips, depending on the fineness needed for the design. Colour could be added to the surface with various varnishes, which also enhanced the glossy appearance of the marquetry. Straw marquetry was most suitable for small objects such as tea chests or work boxes but occasionally larger pieces of furniture, such as this table, were decorated in this way. Because straw work is very fragile, it is rare for pieces to survive in good condition. |
| Other number | 1931/3394 - RF number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.16:2-1931 |
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| Record created | May 4, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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