Drop-leaf table
Category
Furniture
Date
1750 - 1775
Materials
Mahogany and oak
Measurements
73.7 x 161.3 x 301 cm
Place of origin
Ireland
Order this imageCollection
Mount Stewart, County Down
NT 1219664
Summary
A mahogany drop-leaf wake table, Irish, third quarter 18th century, the long rectangular central section flanked on either side by a D-shaped drop-leaf, when the drop-leafs are raised they form a large oblong-shape table top, the drop-leafs supported on each side with two swing-action legs, the table supported on four square-section legs. These Irish oval-topped drop-leaf tables are traditionally known as 'wake' tables. The narrow table top when the flaps are in the down position allow them to be neatly placed against a wall, out of the way in places such as the hall or dining room. The name 'wake' table comes from them being traditionally used to support a coffin prior to burial, the narrow table top making them suited for this purpose.
Provenance
On loan to the National Trust from Lady Mairi Bury (1921-2009), 1976, then accepted by HM Government in lieu of Inheritance Tax and allocated to the National Trust, 2013.