MALLETT
182
A REGENCY HUNT OR WINE TABLE A Regency mahogany 'hunt' or wine table attributed to Cillows of Lancaster, of traditional 'horse-shoe' form retaining its original rolling double coaster fitment with original lacquered brass mounts, mahogany leaf and curtain rail. The surface of the table top of fine, faded colour with small extension flaps at either side, raised on turned and reeded legs ending in large brass cup castors. England, circa i 810 Height: 28in (71cm) Width: 70in (170cm) Depth: 35 in (89cm) In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, at a time when 'intoxication was expected, as a matter of course, to conclude the evening's entertainment', it comes as no surprise that a great deal of thought went into providing furniture designed specifically for the purpose and to make such indulgence as comfortable and effortless as possible. There evolved a form of 'horse-shoe' shaped table that was intended to stand in front of the fireplace. This would accommodate a group of gentlemen for after dinner drinking, where they could carouse in warmth and comfort, away from the company of the ladies. Such tables are traditionally known as 'hunt'
tables. By this time eating habits had changed considerably and meals became more orderly. Appropriate wines accompanying each course were served at the dining table rather than the earlier habit of being saved largely for post-prandial quaffing by the men alone. It is likely, however, that such tables were still used by the fire in the late afternoons in winter by huntsmen returning from the chase where they could relax and discuss the day's sport. The celebrated firm of Gillow published between 1791 and 1793 versions of designs for the 'horse-shoe' table which they termed a 'Sociable Table'. The original drawings survive in the Cillow archive in the Westminster City Archives Centre. Gillow's was established in Lancaster as early as the 1730's but their success really began in 1769, when they opened their first London office. The present table is a fine example of a hunt table from the early 19th century. It incorporates a mechanism of brass rods and rollers to guide two coasters around the table. At the rear is a brass rail for a curtain to screen the drinkers from the glare of the flames. There are also hinged extensions at each end to increase the capacity of the table if required. F2J0174
NEW
YORK