Gate-Leg Table
c1600 (made), c1900 (restored)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Pieces of 16th and 17th century furniture have often been restored but sometimes they have been adapted during this process, obscuring the original design. This semi-circular table incorporates a framed 'gate' that swings out from the main frame to support a folding leaf. (The right back leg consists of two elements, one of which swings out to support the folding top.) It is clear that the hinged top is not original, and some aspects of construction are unusually crude in comparison with surviving furniture from about 1600. One possiblity is that the folding top and gate were created as part of the elaborate restoration in about 1900 of a genuine, static, semi-circular side table.
Folding tables are listed in English inventories from the 15th century but very few have survived from before 1600.
On long term loan to Turton Tower, Bolton.
Folding tables are listed in English inventories from the 15th century but very few have survived from before 1600.
On long term loan to Turton Tower, Bolton.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | |
| Brief description | Semi-circular gate-leg table in oak, with hinged top and compartment with carved frieze |
| Physical description | Semi-circular gate-leg side table with 3 turned legs and plain rails. The top is formed of two hinged flaps, the upper when opened makes a circular top, resting on a hinged 'gate' support formed of half of the right back leg; the bottom flaps acts as the lid of a compartment. The front of the compartment is carved with strapwork designs with a pyramidal 'jewel' ornament in the centre. The carved frieze is made up from two sections of bent sheet meeting in a scarf joint. Below the frieze is a nailed moulding. The bottom of the compartment is of elm and oak boards, nailed up. Modifications Heavy staining and possibly distressing. Missing two cabochon ornaments. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Oak Table, purchased from Mr T. Charbonnier, The Art Gallery, Lynmouth for 25. 12s. 2d Notes from R.P. 2267/07 and 2776/07 27/5/07 Minute paper notes that "our collection of English furniture…is still very deficient…owing to great demand…pieces are rapidly increasing in rarity and value, and it behooves us to increase our collection whenever a favourable opportunity offers itself….There are no pieces of furniture resembling those detailed in this list (from Charbonnier) in the Museum, and all are required to help towards the completion of the section…We paid particular attention to the authenticity of the various pieces. There are a few repairs but nothing has been done to them beyond what is absolutely necessary." A typed list Includes the description: "4. Oak Table, with semi circular top and folding flap; legs of pillar form. A very rare specimen of 17th century work." A similar handwritten listing includes the notation "(C photo: attached) £28" M2776/07 Report on Objects received from Charbonnier Includes among the objects listed 25.12.2 425 "4. Oak table with semi circular top and folding flap, legs of pillar form. 17th Century. 28….." A very similar table, with slightly different frieze design was recorded c1970 (details on FWK local file). Modern copies Around 1912, the firm of Nicholls and Janes offered a replica of this table (probably in very limited numbers), which was based on the 1910 publication, 'The Nation's Treasures', N&J ref. number 0478. It was clearly made to be sold as an antique, and featured conspicuous wear and distressing which is missing on the V&A original. Information kindly supplied 2021 by Ed Janes |
| Summary | Pieces of 16th and 17th century furniture have often been restored but sometimes they have been adapted during this process, obscuring the original design. This semi-circular table incorporates a framed 'gate' that swings out from the main frame to support a folding leaf. (The right back leg consists of two elements, one of which swings out to support the folding top.) It is clear that the hinged top is not original, and some aspects of construction are unusually crude in comparison with surviving furniture from about 1600. One possiblity is that the folding top and gate were created as part of the elaborate restoration in about 1900 of a genuine, static, semi-circular side table. Folding tables are listed in English inventories from the 15th century but very few have survived from before 1600. On long term loan to Turton Tower, Bolton. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 425-1907 |
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| Record created | July 13, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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