Walton House Antiques

Description

The dining table is rare in its design and form and carries the maker's stamp. The colour, patination and figure to the top is superb and quite untouched and is probably in its original condition. The dining table when fully extended will seat 14 people but when closed, it is circular and will comfortably seat 8 people (145cm diameter). The dining table is supported on four solid carved mahogany supports that stand on a large concave mahogany veneered plinth base with four large carved concealed wooden castors. 

The telescopic action is constructed in oak and this allows the table to extend outwards allowing space for one or two of the original leaves to be inserted. The maximum number of diners could be up to fourteen. The table is stamped twice on the superstructure. 

T. & M. Willson 

Thomas Willson is entered in directories as a furniture broker and appraiser of 68 Great Queen Street between 1821 and 1829. He may also be the Thomas Willson (sic), auctioneer, recorded at 28 Little Queen Street, 1799-1825. From 1830-37 the Great Queen Street business was continued by Mary Willson & Son. After 1838 it is listed at the same address as Matthew Wilson, furniture warehouse, furniture work, upholsterer, until 1854. 

It has been generally thought that Thomas Wilson was a dealer in second-hand furniture who identified his stock with with a name stamp. Furniture broking certainly formed a branch of the business since many items impressed ‘T. WILLSON 68 GREAT QUEEN STREET LONDON’ are unquestionably of late 18th century date. Elegant proof of this practice is provided by a secretaire press of Circa 1800 which is stamped ‘GILLOWS / LANCASTER’ and with Willson’s name and address. 

Only one piece of furniture with Willson’s label has so far been traced. It states that the firm was established in 1818 and indicates that, contrary to popular belief, he was a cabinet-maker as well as a furniture broker. ‘THOMAS WILLSON, / Cabinet Maker, Upholsterer, &c / 68, GREAT QUEEN STREET, / Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London. / Every article of Furniture for the Drawing, / Dining, Bed Room and Library, / of first-class make. / Established 1818’. This important fresh evidence suggests the firm’s name-stamped furniture can be divided into second-hand pieces which were merely retailed and items made in their own workshop for sale. The half dozen or so articles impressed ‘M. Willson’ (by his widow Mary or son Matthew) seem, with one exception, to date from the 1830s. 

Height 29.5" 75cm
Width 57" 145cm
Depth 57" 145cm

Extended
108" 274cm

All of the items that we advertise for sale have been as accurately described as possible and are in excellent condition, unless otherwise stated. Please note that we are also able to arrange a full shipping service for our customers. We look forward to being of service.

WH6150