19th Century Exhibition Model of Expanding Table by Samuel Hawkins

This exceptionally rare circular expanding dining table was designed by Robert Jupe and crafted by the English cabinetmakers Johnstone & Jeanes, successors to Johnstone, Jupe & Co. One of only a handful known from the firm, this table illustrates the Victorian era's quest to combine technical innovation with superb and beautiful craftsmanship. Complete with its original leaves, the table’s circular top is formed from eight separate segments. When the top is rotated, an ingenious swivel mechanism causes the sections to diverge, allowing a set of small or large leaves to be inserted for an adjustable increase in size. The design for the table was patented by Robert Jupe in 1835, who had envisioned “an improved expanding table so constructed that the sections composing its surface may be caused to diverge from a common center and that the spaces caused thereby may be filled up by inserting leaves or filling pieces.” The first of these fascinating tables were created between 1835 and 1840 during his partnership with John Johnstone and their firm of Johnstone, Jupe & Co. in London. Jupe left the company in 1840, after which the firm changed its name due to a new partnership and became Johnstone & Jeanes. The firm would eventually achieve international fame for its remarkable designs, exhibiting a "circular table made on the expanding principle" like this one at the Great Exhibition of 1851. Jupe was not alone in his fascination with combining the technical merits of engineering and mechanics with the more artful pursuit of cabinet making. The first half of the 19th century saw a prolific increase in the popularity of applying new ideas to furniture principles, which allowed furniture to serve many purposes. The resulting “patent” furniture...

This extraordinary George III-period Pembroke table by London cabinetmakers Ince & Mayhew displays the understated sophistication of the late Georgian era. The surface of the table — including both the central panel and the signature Pembroke hinged flaps — is beautifully detailed with satinwood marquetry, inlaid with a fan medallion and foliate motifs executed with the greatest precision and craftsmanship. The table is set upon slender, tapering legs. The design is indicative of the rising influence of and interest in Neoclassical patterns, favoring motifs from nature or Classical antiquity over the extravagance of the Rococo style. William Ince and John Mayhew joined their skills as furniture designers and cabinetmakers, opening a firm together on Broad Street in 1759. Over the next forty years, the duo would execute many commissions, and develop a volume of engraved designs entitled The Universal System...

• One of the finest pieces of 19th century English furniture ever made • Firmly attributed to the Royal cabinetmaker, Holland & Sons • Made using stunning rare & exotic timbers, Th...

Baker Furniture Stately Homes Center Table This table measures: 44 wide x 44 deep x 28.25 inches high, with a chair clearance of 25.25 inches We take our photos in a controlled lig...