Blue John and Goncalo Alves Table by Gillows

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Blue John and Goncalo Alves Table by Gillows

About the Item

A one-of-a-kind masterpiece, this impressive table is almost certainly the finest piece of blue john furniture ever crafted. The star of the table is undoubtedly the monumental slab of Derbyshire blue john that is set at its center. One of the most important examples known of this rare and highly coveted mineral, the blue john is not only monumental in size, but also stunning in the natural patterns of the hardstone. Evoking the iris of an eye, the translucent crystalline layers of the stone radiate outwards in bands of deep blues, rich purples, and golden yellows. It embodies all of the best attributes of this stone and is the finest, largest example of blue john on the market today. The scarcity of this English stone makes a piece of this remarkable size all the rarer. Blue John is nearly impossible to find in this massive size. Due to its popularity, the largest veins of blue john had disappeared by the early 19th century, and only a small amount of the stone remains today. Due to this scarcity, most examples of blue john furniture feature inset veneers of smaller specimens of blue john. By contrast, this rare table features a whole, intact slab of blue john that measures a remarkable 32 inches in diameter. It represents some of the last and largest ornamental wares created of such grand size and proportion, though other smaller examples still grace the stately British estates of Chatsworth, Hardwick, Keddleston, and Haddon, among others. The exceptional design of the table showcases the unique qualities for which blue john is so loved, from its distinctive radiating structure to its rich shades of purple and gold. The rare specimen is held by a magnificent example of Brazilian goncalo alves, or tigerwood, which provides a perfect complementary richness to the vivid hues of the stone. The richly carved base of the table was almost certainly crafted by the famed Gillows of Lancaster and London, who crafted a very similar piece for Broughton Hall in Yorkshire. The Broughton Hall example, however, is inferior to the present piece in both artistry and materials; carved from rosewood, it features a simple circular red marble inlaid top. The present example, conversely, boasts a stunning octagonal design wrought from two exceedingly rare materials. It is truly a masterpiece of English craftsmanship. Hardstone pieces such as this were popular among the British aristocracy during the 19th century. A similar, but smaller blue john table was exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 to great critical acclaim. It was commissioned by Prince Albert, who was known to have highly favored one-of-a-kind marble and stone creations. The present piece boasts the same luxury materials and masterful craftsmanship as the Prince’s table, only on a far larger scale. Considering the quality and size of this extraordinary table, it was almost certainly an important commission for one of these great English estates. Today, it stands as a stunning example of both Victorian artistry and the natural beauty of these rare stones, circa 1820. Measure: 30" high x 37" wide x 37" deep.

Dimensions:
Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Diameter: 37 in (93.98 cm)
Style:
Regency (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Marble,Rosewood,Stone,Inlay
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1820
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 30-67031stDibs: LU89118737893