Contact Seller
Doe And Hope
Tel07729 213013Please quote Antiques Atlas.
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Non UK callers :
+44 7729 213013
A Unique 19thC Graffitied Oak Refectory Table
The unusual oak refectory table having a three-plank top with extensive chiselled graffiti, with names and initials of numerous English school boys, the earliest date at 1873 through to 1897, the later married base having turned baluster trestles, sledge feet and a moulded stretcher, the whole surviving from the Victorian period.
The fact the boards have survived in nigh on original condition is very pleasing and there is a good patina to the oak and no losses to speak of. The base is a later marriage and the timber is of the same period. One of the four sledge bases is slightly truncated, there is expected wear and shrinkage cracks to the top as photographed, the boards when reused, having four similarly sized round knot holes plugged which are visible as per the photographs. It is sturdy and ready for use and we have given it a light wax.
The names inscribed to the top include Baring, Brocklebank, Buxton, Elliot, Buckley, Godsal, Knowles, French-Blake, Hoare, Fairbairn, Warburton, Umley and many others, with dates mainly being 1896 and 1897 with one being earlier at 1873.
Lids and table tops were the primary graffitied objects in schools in this period. The graffiti here is carved with a tool fit for the purpose, probably a wood chisel which leaves a characteristic wedge-shaped groove in the hard oak.
A poem, published in The Radleian in 1890, describes how to spend the time between 5.30 and 6.30pm ‘almost the only hour many fellows get to themselves all day:’
I scream, I hoot, I whistle,
In gossip I rejoice
I talk the last school scandal,
I love my own sweet voice.
I cut the desks and hack them,
I feel the thirst for fame
I carve in two-inch letters
My valuable name.
These are ownership marks, or memorial inscriptions for public consumption they are not about rebellion, moreover the relationship between schoolboy and classroom, and between schoolboy and teacher…. the temporary and the permanent anonymity and making your mark.
A unique table that never gets tiresome.
SellerDoe And Hope
View all stock from
Doe And Hope
Private dealer, By appointment only
The Onion Barn, Shoe Cottage,
15 High Street, Blunham,
Bedfordshire, MK44 3NL.
MK44 3NL
Tel : 07729 213013
Non UK callers : +44 7729 213013
Get directions to Doe And Hope
The fact the boards have survived in nigh on original condition is very pleasing and there is a good patina to the oak and no losses to speak of. The base is a later marriage and the timber is of the same period. One of the four sledge bases is slightly truncated, there is expected wear and shrinkage cracks to the top as photographed, the boards when reused, having four similarly sized round knot holes plugged which are visible as per the photographs. It is sturdy and ready for use and we have given it a light wax.
The names inscribed to the top include Baring, Brocklebank, Buxton, Elliot, Buckley, Godsal, Knowles, French-Blake, Hoare, Fairbairn, Warburton, Umley and many others, with dates mainly being 1896 and 1897 with one being earlier at 1873.
Lids and table tops were the primary graffitied objects in schools in this period. The graffiti here is carved with a tool fit for the purpose, probably a wood chisel which leaves a characteristic wedge-shaped groove in the hard oak.
A poem, published in The Radleian in 1890, describes how to spend the time between 5.30 and 6.30pm ‘almost the only hour many fellows get to themselves all day:’
I scream, I hoot, I whistle,
In gossip I rejoice
I talk the last school scandal,
I love my own sweet voice.
I cut the desks and hack them,
I feel the thirst for fame
I carve in two-inch letters
My valuable name.
These are ownership marks, or memorial inscriptions for public consumption they are not about rebellion, moreover the relationship between schoolboy and classroom, and between schoolboy and teacher…. the temporary and the permanent anonymity and making your mark.
A unique table that never gets tiresome.
Price The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 13/MAY/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Free UK shipping.
Category Antique Furniture
Date c.1870
Late 19th Century Antiques Material Oak
Origin English
Item code as155a1926 / 2016
Status Sold
£3750.00 
$4972.50 
€4455.00 
$
€
Conversion rates as of 13/MAY/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer. Free UK shipping.
View all stock from
Doe And Hope
Private dealer, By appointment onlyThe Onion Barn, Shoe Cottage,
15 High Street, Blunham,
Bedfordshire, MK44 3NL.
MK44 3NL
Tel : 07729 213013
Non UK callers : +44 7729 213013
Get directions to Doe And Hope
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