Georgian and Regency Single Pedestal Tables
TABLES dining, Georgian and Regency single pedestal
Fashion at the end of the eighteenth century moved away from the long table, with its implications of seniority, towards the round table where such distinctions were less marked.
In addition the use of a separate small comfortable room (the breakfast room) for family meals or intimate dinner parties, led to a requirement for a six/eight seater.
Here, and on the following pages, we show two types of tables. Firstly, the simple central pillar table with four legs discussed here. Secondly, the newly introduced pedestal table with a platform which in turn divides into two. Firstly, those with a central column the standard Regency type which continues with the platform near the ground. Thousands were made and these appear in the next section. Secondly, the multiple legs which came into favour in the 1850s and, as small loo tables, were prolific from that date until almost the end of the century, and are discussed in the section on Victorian pedestal tables.
A fine quality elegant mahogany table with a broad band of satinwood near the edge. The turned centre column support with its small rounded section is supported on four elegant curved legs. which have ebony stringing lines on top and sides to emphasise their clean lines. c. 1800
A simpler circular mahogany table with reeded edges to the table and moulded edges to the legs which are becoming higher, and the first hint of `Regency knee’.
A high quality rectangular rosewood breakfast table cross-banded in amboyna with curious half rounds to the corners (compare the shape of the Sheraton chest No. 377). The legs are superb: the high stepping, ‘Regency knee’ is there but the design makes it a virtue not a disease. White edges to the legs serve to highlight the superb effect. c. 1810
The same basic design but the pillar has been shaped and more brass applied in what seems an attempt at a more showy quality. Not entirely successful.
A circular table in mahogany with a broad crossbanding of contrasting wood and a black stringing line to emphasise it. The legs (which are inlaid with a black line which fades out towards the foot) show advanced ‘Regency knee’. c. 1830
A terminal case of ‘Regency knee’. Heavy reeding and circular decoration serve to make it the highlight of an otherwise simple, if slightly heavy, but very useful mahogany breakfast table.
The platform design is seen here in Georgian form. The legs have a moulded edge and the high knee referred to earlier and the four supports are plainly turned. (Look at the large space between the legs, on the empty platform. The Victorians would have to put a large finial in the middle!) The top is cross-banded, the platform has stringing lines. It is all very restrained. c. 1800
Platform and pedestal combine to form a peculiarly Regency type table. Brass inlay on the top, platform and pedestal combine well with the rosewood veneer. More showy but still not obsessively decorative.
A rosewood table in which the decoration is centred on the curved petal formation of the base. The stem is thickening and the ‘hairy feet’ persist. c. 1835.
Because rosewood $1,400
More great ‘hairy feet’ and a complicated parquetry top, but the octagonal stem has only a disappointing series of half round decoration. Interesting to note that in 1881 C. & R
Light were still offering this basic type. c. 1825
The simple carved buns and the plain platform are not exciting. However, the carved decoration to the round base and the high quality top with clever use of heartwood and sapwood rosewood makes it a good table.
The use of maplewood and contrasting ebonised moulding and feet, together with faceted sides to the three pillar stem, lift this form from being a very simple table. See next example. c. 1830
It would be interesting to know just how many of these simple tables were made, probably thousands. This is the cheapest type with round flat buns and no ornamentation. Next in the range would be the carved buns, more expensive would be scrolls and on up to hairy feet. This is mahogany; rosewood would be a little extra. Good value as a first dining table for a new family.
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Tags: 1850s, breakfast room, breakfast table, design, eighteenth century, mahogany table, pedestal tables, Rectangular, satinwood, value