A George III Mahogany Pembroke Table Of Most Unusual ‘Experimental’ Design

A George III Mahogany Pembroke Table Of Most Unusual ‘Experimental’ Design With Circular Dished Top
English. Circa 1770.
Measurements
Height: 28 1/2" (72.4 cm); Width closed: 24 3/4" (60.3 cm); Width open: 38 1/2" (97.8 cm); Depth: 27" (68.6 cm).
Research:
Of mahogany. The square top when closed centered by a large circular shallow reserve with a pair of hinged flaps to each side, supported by lopers with brass drop handles. The plain veneered frieze supported by angled molded legs ending in a bulbous foot atop a square block. Raised on original leather casters. The four legs united by a wavy stretcher centered by an ogee sided cup.

The Georgian Pembroke table is normally a polite and elegant item of furniture but, in this instance, the designer or maker has used it as a vehicle to experiment with forms; the legs are most unorthodox being turned 45 degrees, as opposed to issuing flush with the flat sides facing the viewer. The angled flat surface then terminates at the top of the leg as a most distinctive arched chamfer. The feet again are very unusual being circular and disengaged from the square profile of the legs, spreading to create a bulbous form on a square block housing the original leather casters.

The unconventionality continues with the stretcher, which has very unusual angular shaping and, like the four legs it unites, each of the profiles of its square section has been turned 45 degrees. The center the stretcher is unified by a circular ogee-sided cup. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the table’s unusual design is to be witnessed on its top, where a large, circular, slightly sunken reserve has been created, adding very much to the futuristic flavor of the piece.

Full research report available on request.