Rosewood side table inlaid in ivory; inlay designed by Stephen Webb, table probably designed by G.J.S. Lock and made by Collinson & Lock, English 1888-1892

Rosewood inlaid with ivory. The four legs of square section with a cabriole profile, narrowing from an angle below the knee, with feet turned outwards. The front side and corner profiles of the legs are inlaid with ivory stringing. Between this stringing the feet are inlaid with ivory foliate ornament and cornucopiae, the knees with foliate arabesques including dolphins, lamps and cartouches. At the front the line of the cabriole knee is continued in a bombé apron its lower edge with symmetrical curves dropping at the centre, outlined with ivory stringing and with arabesque ivory inlay. The sides have similar aprons but with asymmetrical curves dropping towards the front, similarly decorated. The back apron matches that at the front but has no arabesque ornament, only stringing. The front corners of the frieze continue the continue the section of the legs as semi-cylinders decorated wit ivory arabesques. The front frieze curves outwards and is decorated with an elaborate arabesque incorporating birds, fruit, nymphs and musical instruments. The side friezes are serpentine towards the front, straight at the back and decorated with ivory arabesques, incorporating putti, fruit and cartouches. The back frieze is straight and plain but for two bands of ivory stringing forming a panel. The top, serpentine at the front and sides and straight at the back, has a moulded and raised rim. The top is inlaid with an elaborate ivory arabesque, incorporating putti, birds and acanthus. There is no drawer in the frieze, which is boxed in underneath.

Given by Miss E.A. Comer

Historical significance: This table is a good example of the way in which Georgian forms were adapted for modern use by designers in the late 19th century.

This side-table was probably designed by G.J.S. Lock (1846-1900) and manufactured by the firm Collinson & Lock in about 1890. The inlaid ivory decoration, incorporated using the decorative technique known as intarsia, was designed by Stephen Webb (1849-1933). Webb was Collinson & Lock’s chief designer at this period and an experienced designer of intarsia. He was later appointed Professor of Sculpture at the Royal College of Art.

The inlaid ivory is typical of the elaborate inlay of woods, stones, metal and ivory associated with the Renaissance and a popular technical and stylistic revival in late nineteenth-century design.

The table was acquired by G.J.S. Lock of Collinson & Lock and then passed to his son. It was his son’s wish that it be given to the Victoria and Albert Museum. This wish was carried out by his friend Miss. E.A. Comer who offered it to the Museum when she inherited it after his death.

W.32-1954