Table
mid 17th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
A wide variety of smaller tables evolved in the 17th century with 'folding' or 'falling' leaves. By 1600 a strong framed 'gate' developed that swung out from the main frame, to support each leaf. Gateleg tables (as they are now known), usually made of oak, and with oval tops would be folded down at the side of the room between meals.
Two constructional features help date this example to the 17th century: the top has been fixed to the frame by means of pegs inserted from above, where angled screws from below or glue blocks were often used in the 18th century. On this table the hinged leaves meet the fixed top in a flush-edged ‘butt joint’, where a stepped ovolo moulding became more common after the early 18th century.
Two constructional features help date this example to the 17th century: the top has been fixed to the frame by means of pegs inserted from above, where angled screws from below or glue blocks were often used in the 18th century. On this table the hinged leaves meet the fixed top in a flush-edged ‘butt joint’, where a stepped ovolo moulding became more common after the early 18th century.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Oak, turned and joined |
| Brief description | Gate-leg table, English, mid 17th century, oak |
| Physical description | Joined oak gate-leg table with oval top, on H form baluster legs and sled feet, with square stretcher and two gatelegs of plain rectangular pattern. Both folding leaves on a roll joint, with 3 generations of butterfly type hinge (on screws and nails of various dates), both leaves tipped at the ends. The top 14mm thick apparently early, the base possibly 19th century (as all surfaces smooth and sharp, and top of leg overlaps one of the older hinges) or possibly the table has been created from an old top and old base. Cf Chinnery, figs. 3:218 |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | Bought for £10 from Mr W. Hunn, 1 Sydney Terrace, London SW3, from whom the Museum purchased various pieces of furntiure and ceramic, 1920-1939 (RP 23/1950), described as 'split and repaired' On loan to Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, ca. 1951 - February 2014. |
| Summary | A wide variety of smaller tables evolved in the 17th century with 'folding' or 'falling' leaves. By 1600 a strong framed 'gate' developed that swung out from the main frame, to support each leaf. Gateleg tables (as they are now known), usually made of oak, and with oval tops would be folded down at the side of the room between meals. Two constructional features help date this example to the 17th century: the top has been fixed to the frame by means of pegs inserted from above, where angled screws from below or glue blocks were often used in the 18th century. On this table the hinged leaves meet the fixed top in a flush-edged ‘butt joint’, where a stepped ovolo moulding became more common after the early 18th century. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | Circ.557-1923 |
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| Record created | August 8, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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