Breakfast Table
1754-1770 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
Breakfast tables are first recorded in the mid-16th century. Henry VIII had 'a brekefaste table of walnuttree' in his Privy Chamber. In the 18th century, in fashionable circles, breakfast was usually eaten in the bedroom. From the 1730s, such tables were designed to include storage for the breakfast things, so they could also be used for writing and reading.
Design
The table has two hinged flaps to provide an extended surface for the breakfast tray and a drawer to accommodate paper and writing equipment. The lower shelf is recessed to accommodate the legs of the sitter. It is enclosed in wooden fretwork which creates a decorative effect, although Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779) suggested the use of brass wirework as an alternative. The servant could thus see the used breakfast things and remember to clear them away later in the day. The legs are on castors so that the table can be easily moved and stored against the wall when not in use.
Ownership & Use
The breakfast table which Chippendale supplied in 1759 for John Stuart, Earl of Dumfries (died 1814) has a drawer fitted out with a sliding writing surface and with divisions for pen, paper and ink.
Breakfast tables are first recorded in the mid-16th century. Henry VIII had 'a brekefaste table of walnuttree' in his Privy Chamber. In the 18th century, in fashionable circles, breakfast was usually eaten in the bedroom. From the 1730s, such tables were designed to include storage for the breakfast things, so they could also be used for writing and reading.
Design
The table has two hinged flaps to provide an extended surface for the breakfast tray and a drawer to accommodate paper and writing equipment. The lower shelf is recessed to accommodate the legs of the sitter. It is enclosed in wooden fretwork which creates a decorative effect, although Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779) suggested the use of brass wirework as an alternative. The servant could thus see the used breakfast things and remember to clear them away later in the day. The legs are on castors so that the table can be easily moved and stored against the wall when not in use.
Ownership & Use
The breakfast table which Chippendale supplied in 1759 for John Stuart, Earl of Dumfries (died 1814) has a drawer fitted out with a sliding writing surface and with divisions for pen, paper and ink.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 3 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | |
| Brief description | Mahogany 'breakfast table' with hinged flap on two sides, raised on four legs. Single drawer in frieze over latticework cupboard. English, 1754-1770, made by an unidentifed maker following a design published by Thomas Chippendale |
| Physical description | Mahogany breakfast table supported on four legs of square section each with brass castors. The square top has a narrow flap on each side supported on hinged arms when extended. A single narrow frieze drawer with brass drawer pulls is set beneath the top. The curved lower shelf is recessed to accommodate the legs of the sitter. It is enclosed in a decorative Chinese style wooden fretwork with two doors at the front. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Given by Brigadier W. E. Clark CMG, DSO through Art Fund |
| Object history | Made by an unidentifed maker following a design published by Thomas Chippendale (born in Otley, West Yorkshire, 1718, died in London, 1779) |
| Production | Made by an unidentifed maker following a design published by Thomas Chippendale |
| Summary | Object Type Breakfast tables are first recorded in the mid-16th century. Henry VIII had 'a brekefaste table of walnuttree' in his Privy Chamber. In the 18th century, in fashionable circles, breakfast was usually eaten in the bedroom. From the 1730s, such tables were designed to include storage for the breakfast things, so they could also be used for writing and reading. Design The table has two hinged flaps to provide an extended surface for the breakfast tray and a drawer to accommodate paper and writing equipment. The lower shelf is recessed to accommodate the legs of the sitter. It is enclosed in wooden fretwork which creates a decorative effect, although Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779) suggested the use of brass wirework as an alternative. The servant could thus see the used breakfast things and remember to clear them away later in the day. The legs are on castors so that the table can be easily moved and stored against the wall when not in use. Ownership & Use The breakfast table which Chippendale supplied in 1759 for John Stuart, Earl of Dumfries (died 1814) has a drawer fitted out with a sliding writing surface and with divisions for pen, paper and ink. |
| Bibliographic reference | Ralph Edwards and Margaret Jourdain, Georgian Cabinet-Makers (London: Country Life Ltd, 1944), p. and plate 92. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.64:1 to 3-1950 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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