Mahogany Pembroke Table - Mahogany Writing Table - Regency Period Dining Table - Mahogany Library Table
Mahogany Pembroke Table - Mahogany Writing Table - Regency Period Dining Table - Mahogany Library Table
A Thomas Sheraton mahogany Pembroke table, the top cross banded with herringbone bands of kingwood, with a rising ‘Harlequin’ section with a fall-front inlaid with ribboned festoons of flowers in scorched and green fruitwood, in the manner of Pierre Langlois, the frieze with a drawer either side and simulated drawers, on square tapering panelled legs.
The design for this ‘Harlequin Pembroke Table’ was published by Thomas Sheraton as plate LVI in his ‘Drawing Book’ (1791-94). In his notes he describes such table as “serving not only as a breakfast, but also as a writing table, very suitable for a lady. It is termed a Harlequin Table, for no other reason but because, in exhibitions of that sort, there is generally a great deal of machinery introduced in the scenery”. This type was also illustrated in Hepplewhite’s Guide.
This table is of further interest in that the ’till’ is inlaid with a floral garland, knotted with a ribbon-tie, in a marquetry of many woods. This is reminiscent of the highly distinctive style of inlay favoured by the emigrant French ebeniste, Pierre Langlois.
A Sheraton mahogany Pembroke table of c. 1810, The square tapering legs have given way to the centre pedestal, the pillar of which is fluted. The four sabre style legs which support the platform at the pillar base have typical later Georgian and Regency brass casters of decorative style. The top is veneered in highly figured mahogany and cross banded with satinwood, which is used for the inlaid decoration also.
Value points: Inlaid decoration of high quality
Good quality Pembroke table in mahogany with cross banded top edge. The tapering legs end in elegant brass casters.
Value points: Cross banding of top Circular or oval shape
Later Georgian period mahogany writing table on turned legs with casters beneath.
A fine quality late 18th century sofa table in mahogany and satinwood. The end supports, curving elegantly out from the vertical to end in brass casters, are particularly noteworthy.
Regency period dining table in mahogany on two turned columns each supported by three curved legs. The shaping of the turning on the columns suggests a later part of the period, as do the legs, but the top is reeded round the edge and light in appearance.
Elegance of columns Lightness of design Seating capacity 4 6 8 12
Sofa tables are similar to the Pembroke table with the exception that the extending flaps are at the end instead of the sides. They seem to have become popular at about the same time as the Pembroke. The normal dimensions, referred to by Sheraton, “are generally between five and six feet long and from 22 inches to two feet broad”. The most serviceable type have two drawers and they were frequently used to write, draw or read upon. A variety of designs were used.
The example above is of c. 1805 date and has brass mounts and stringing. The inward curving legs are reeded. Rosewood and zebra wood were used for the higher quality examples as well as mahogany. The addition of brass stringing or more detailed inlay in brass adds considerably to value.
Value points: Exotic woods and inlays
A Regency period dining table on two columns, again each supported by three elegantly curved legs. The apron frieze under the two end sections tends to add weight to the overall effect and breaks the line.
Value points: Elegance of columns Lightness of design Seating capacity 4 6 8 12
Mahogany Sofa Table of later Georgian period. The reeded curved legs on the end supports terminate in brass paw casters.
Regency sofa table in mahogany with lyre-shaped end supports. The top edge is moulded as well as cross banded.
Note. The existence or hint of the lyre motif in any form inexplicably pushes prices to the top of the range.
Regency mahogany library or writing table. A derivation in some ways of the sofa table. The end supports show in their design the influence of the lyre motif.
Regency sofa table with gadrooned top edge. The curving splayed legs on the send supports are reeded.
Sofa Table of slightly later date c. 1810 with turned supports in conjunction with inward curving legs. This form of centre support is to be found on card and other tables of the period.
Regency period breakfast table in mahogany, cross banded with kingwood. The octagonal column is on a platform supported by unusual curved and shaped legs ending in brass paw casters. The spur shape on the knee of the legs is particularly unpleasant.
Value points: Seating capacity 6 8 …
Regency rosewood sofa table ,the top and flaps cross banded in satinwood. The stringing which can be seen round the drawer fronts is of brass, and brass stringing is also used on the top and in the unusual curving
support and base. The table when extended is five feet long.
Regency period mahogany card table on turned centre column. The hinged folding top pivots on the frame which forms the frieze to provide support when open.
Regency mahogany library or ‘rent’ table with leather-covered top. A type introduced in George III’s reign which Was made on into the 19th century, sometimes with an octagonal top. Used sometimes on estates where the relevant documents were kept in the drawers; hence the popular term ‘rent table’.
A Regency rosewood and Coromandel console table with marble top. Originally made to accompany pier glasses, console tables were made uniquely for side use and in the early 18th century types were of highly
baroque decoration. The classical revival of the later 18th century produced console and side tables of prevailing fashions and both Sheraton and Hepplewhite illustrated examples. They were largely for the decoration of more important houses.