Object Type
This table, fitted with a single drawer, was probably originally used for serving coffee. It is a very rare example of furniture actually designed by the architect Sir William Chambers (1723-1796) for his own use.
People
Chambers once described himself as 'a very pretty connoisseur in furniture'. His table was made by the Swedish cabinet-maker Georg Haupt (1741-1784) when he was in London. After spending five years in Paris and London, Haupt returned to Stockholm in 1769 to become cabinet-maker to the Swedish royal family.
Materials & Making
The table is made of oak, veneered with satinwood, ebony and other woods, with specimen marbles set in the top.
Time
The use of marble specimens set in tables was considered very fashionable during the 1760s and 1770s, and interest in Classical archaeology was widespread. An important contribution was Chambers's own Treatise on Civil Architecture, published in 1759, which helped establish him as one of the leading Neo-classical architects of his day. Chambers had studied extensively in Paris between 1749 and 1750, and in Rome between 1750 and 1755. The shape of the legs was probably inspired by Greek urns.
Place of Origin
London, England (made)
Date
1769 (made)
Artist/maker
Chambers, William (Sir), born 1723 - died 1796 (designer)
Haupt, Georg, born 1741 - died 1784 (cabinet-maker)
Materials and Techniques
Satinwood, oak and pine, inlaid with ebony and hardstones
Marks and inscriptions
[Table] 'Cette table a été comandée et dessinée par Mr Chambers Premier Architect de sa Majesté Britannique et executée par son très humble serviteur George Haupt, Suedois, London le 4 Février 1769.' This table has been commissioned and designed by Mr Chambers Chief Architect of His Britannic Majesty and executed by his most humble servant George Haupt, Swede. London the 4th of February 1769.
Dimensions
Height: 75 cm, Width: 42.8 cm, Depth: 42.8 cm
Object history note
Designed by Sir William Chambers (born in Göteborg, Sweden, 1723, died in London, 1796); made in London by Georg Haupt (born in Stockholm, 1741, died there in 1784)
Historical significance: The fact of this table's manufacture are recoreded in an insccription. The collaboration between Chambers, architect to Geore III, and Haupt, a Swedish cabinet maker trained in Paris, makes this a crucial example of advanced Neo-classical taste.
Descriptive line
Table, satinwood, inlaid with ebony, the top inlaid with specimen marbles. English, 1769. Designed by William Chambers and made by Georg Haupt.
Labels and date
Satinwood, inlaid with ebony, the top decorated with 'Antique' marble plaques.
Designed by the architect William Chambers (1726-96) for his own use, and made by the Swedish cabinet maker George Haupt (1741-84) when he was in London. [Unknown]
Mahogany with ebony inlay. Inset with "antique" marble plaques.
Designed by the architect William Chambers for his own use, and made by the Swedish cabinet-maker George Haupt, when he was in London in 1769. [Unknown]
Satinwood, inlaid with ebony, the top inlaid with specimen marbles; inscription underneath giving name of designer and maker with date.
This is one of the few pieces of furniture known to have been designed by Chambers, who was architect to King George III.
[Sarah Medlam and Kate Hay] [1996]
TABLE
ENGLISH
Mahogany with ebony inlay. Inset with 'antique' marble plaques.
Designed by the architect William Chambers for his own use, and made by the Swedish cabinet-maker George Haupt, when he was in London in 1769.
Purchased by the Brigadier Clark Fund through the National Art-Collections Fund. [pre October 2000]
British Galleries:
This small Neo-classical table was designed by the architect Sir William Chambers for his own use. Its form is based on small French tables, but its legs are derived from ancient Greek furniture. [27/03/2003]
Production Note
dated 1769
Materials
Marble; Ebony; Lapis-lazuli; Onyx; Satinwood; Serpentine (mineral)
Techniques
Inlay (process)
Categories
Furniture; British Galleries
Collection code
FWK
