Folding table
Meredew
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1954
Materials
Oak, watercolour paint, paper, glass
Measurements
47.6 x 55.5 x 55.5 cm
Collection
Chartwell, Kent
NT 1101671
Summary
A pale oak folding occasional table, English, circa 1954, the square top forms the base for a watercolour painting featuring cigars, various hats, medals and trophies representing Sir Winston's interests on a blue ground, under glass and with a moulded frame, the folding base supports with curved ends, the underside of the table marked in blue 'MEREDEW furniture'. The watercolour drawing mounted in the tabletop is by Sylvia Pugh, it was designed in honour of Sir Winston's 80th birthday, 30th November 1954. The design was later used for a silk square. The table was made by Meredew Ltd which was to be one of the four main domestic manufacturers in Britain during the later 1950s and 1960s.
Provenance
Chartwell was purchased by Winston Churchill in 1922 and for the next 40 years it was the family home. Presented to the National Trust in 1946, Winston and Clementine Churchill continued to live there until 1965 when it was relinquished to the management of the National Trust. Much of the contents of Chartwell were accepted by the Treasury in payment of death duty and retained in the house. Lady Churchill also gifted many pieces and others are on loan from the Churchill family.
Makers and roles
Meredew , manufacturer S. Pugh, artist