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Not currently on display at the V&A

Table

1600-1800 (made), 1500-1550 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This table is of joined construction, with mortise and tenon joints. Joined tables came into use after about 1550, replacing trestle tables. It is a plain table which was probably used both for eating and for general use. The diners mostly sat on long benches or stools on either side. The under-frame is made of oak but the top is elm. Oak was mostly imported, but elm was a common hedgerow tree, readily available to country joiners.

On loan to Woolsthorpe Manor (National Trust).


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Table Frame
  • Table Top
Materials and techniques
Oak and elm, joined
Brief description
Long oak table with later elm top, with square legs; English 16th century
Physical description
Long table on a joined oak frame, with added elm top. The oak frame is of joined construction, with four chamfered square-section legs joined by plain stretchers (rounded on their top edges), and ogee-moulded rails to which are pegged corner brackets. At one end, the rail has a cut-out, probably for a loper; at the other end, the rail has a round mortice on its outer face (purpose uncertain).

The top, of breadboard construction consists of three long boards, two wide and one narrow, with narrow end battens, and locating blocks underneath.

Modifications
The top replaced. The four feet tipped, and the spandrel brackets probably added. Extensive old woodworm damage
Dimensions
  • Height: 75.5cm
  • Length: 247.5cm
  • Depth: 75.5cm
Measured Nov 2014 by NH; base only: 71 x 199 x 73.5cm top only: 3 x 247x 75.5cm
Style
Credit line
Given by A. G. Ross, in memory of her brother, Robert Ross
Object history
Gift of A G Ross (14a Berkley St., London) in memory of Robert Ross.

Returned from long loan to Woolsthorpe Manor (where it was displayed in the downstairs kitchen), April 2019.

Notes from R.P. 19/2583 and 52/2142

Referred to as "English, 16th Century oak table". Condition described as "worm-eaten, shakey".

No other info. in R.P.

Label vi/89:
'Joined-frame tables of this type had virtually superseded collapsible trestle-table by this date, although they were too cumberson to be moved easily. However, the top of this very plain example is removable.'
Summary
This table is of joined construction, with mortise and tenon joints. Joined tables came into use after about 1550, replacing trestle tables. It is a plain table which was probably used both for eating and for general use. The diners mostly sat on long benches or stools on either side. The under-frame is made of oak but the top is elm. Oak was mostly imported, but elm was a common hedgerow tree, readily available to country joiners.

On loan to Woolsthorpe Manor (National Trust).
Bibliographic reference
Table, oak, with elm top; the framework is slightly moulded on the front and ends; the four legs are square and chamfered at the angles; they have brackets above, and are united below by plain stretchers. 16th century. From catalogue H. 2 ft. 4 in., D. 8 ft. 1 ½ in., W. 2 ft. 6 in. (H. 71.1 cm, D. 247.7 cm, W. 76.2 cm) Given by A. G. Ross, Esq., in memory of his brother, the late Robert Ross, Esq. From: H. Clifford Smith, Catalogue of English Furniture & Woodwork (London 1930), 610
Collection
Accession number
W.28-1919

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Record createdMarch 10, 2003
Record URL
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