A Fine Pair of matched George IV Period Rosewood Tray Top Work Tables by Gillows, c.1825

A Fine Pair of matched George IV Period Rosewood Tray Top Work Tables by Gillows, c.1825

These tables, with their wavy, rectangular tray tops supported on their end supports with turned stems with reeded baluster sections set above two columns which link each support to their blocks and cabriole legs. One of the tables has a pull out drawer with removable trays for the storage of sewing tools and threads and has a slightly deeper frieze to allow for this sewing compartment. The other has a draw to each end but no sewing compartment.

This fine table design relates to one for a tray top work table, with pull out bag slide, first recorded in the Gillows estimate books in 1822 and illustrated below

By the George IV period, the distinctive shaped tray top had been retained but the design of the end supports had been updated to reflect the fashion for carved detail rather than the classical lyre supports seen in the design drawing. The evolution from this design to the tripod design is interesting. The design of the tray top became a Gillows signature design and presumably the firm was keen to make as much use of this feature as possible.

The present tables have a fine colour and patination.