Drop-leaf table
possibly Vile & Cobb
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1750 - 1760
Materials
Mahogany, oak, softwood, beech, iron
Measurements
71.5cm high x 155cm wide (open) x 101.5cm deep
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire
NT 494400
Summary
A mahogany drop-leaf dining table, English, mid-18th century. Possibly by Vile & Cobb, Cabinet Makers & Upholsters of Long Acre, London (fl. 1750 - 1765). Originally one of a pair, or part of a larger table. The fixed rectangular top above a bed of oak, the swinging gates beneath the drop-leaves of beech. The top and one leaf with 'D' rings attached to iron plates with chamfered edges to their underside; the other leaf with iron clips on plates with line decoration. Above arched aprons and raised on four turned club legs terminating in pad feet, two of them hinged as supports for the leaves.
Full description
This very good quality dining table was possibly supplied by Vile & Cobb. A bill survives for 'two good Mahog Dineing tables to Joyn' bought in June 1753 by Sir John Dryden. They cost £5 5s with another 8 shillings charged for packing materials. The timber to this table is exceptionally good, and the metal fittings - which would enable it to be fitted to a companion table, or a leaf removed - are decorated, a sign of very good quality.
Provenance
Possibly the table in a painting of 1911, of Alfred and Clara Dryden taking tea in the Hall. Date of entry 1984, provenance unknown
Makers and roles
possibly Vile & Cobb, cabinetmaker
References
Stobart, J., 'Inventories and the Changing Furnishings of Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire, 1717 - 1819' in Regional Furniture, XXVII (2013), 1 - 43, p.6