Breakfast Table thumbnail 1
Breakfast Table thumbnail 2
+2
images
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 118a

This object consists of 3 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

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.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Breakfast Table
  • Drawer
  • Keys
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
  • Height: 72cm
  • Width: 58cm
  • Depth: 57cm
Gallery label
British Galleries: This table follows a design published by Chippendale in 1754. In 1756 another London cabinet-maker supplied a version of the design for Dumfries House in Scotland, three years before Chippendale's own firm supplied one.(27/03/2003)
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 createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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