Mahogany table, British Regency

Traveling in England’s 19th Century

By the time Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mary Shelley penned Frankenstein (1816), and Walter Scott published Ivanhoe (1819), Britain was experiencing a period full of changes either political, economic or social. Literature was not the only active domain. Cabinetmakers and architects were also changing their profession. The mahogany table for sale on Expertissim.com serves as evidence of this fascinating time called Regency.


Mahogany extending table for sale on Expertissim.com

"Regency" and the Regency era
Strictly speaking the term "Regency" means the period during which the Prince of Wales was regent on behalf of his father, King George III. Begun in 1811, it ended in 1820 with the death of George III. The Prince Regent was then made king and he took the name of George IV. But in the artistic sense, "Regency" era was the transition period between the Georgian and Victorian styles, between 1795 and 1837.


Sir Thomas Lawrence, George IV while Prince Regent, circa 1814

Eclectic art projects
The "Regency" era was successful for the arts, notably with the active patronage of the Prince Regent. He, among other things, rebuilt the Brighton pavilion and decorated the Carlton House. Artists sought to innovate and their ideas were abound. Often, projects were twofold, as in the Brighton Pavilion, where the decor was Chinese in the living room, Egyptian in the library, Gothic in the dining room, etc.


Brighton Pavilion, 1826

In Great Britain, the “Regency” era was a period of eclecticism. The French Empire style was in vogue, emphasizing the Antique elements in art objects and furniture. At the same time, the Gothic style and Egyptian decor were also very popular, resulting in often surprising combinations, such as the Brighton Pavilion.

Seeking comfort
During the "Regency" era, the search for comfortable interiors and solid furniture predominated. Most of the furniture from this period were of natural wood, such as this foot stool from the 18th century already sold on Expertissim.com. The

wood used was massif or veneered, such as on the flatware box from the George III period also sold on Expertissim.com. Cabinet makers preferred dark woods such as rosewood and mahogany, as evidenced by the Regency table on our website.

 
Cutlery box of mounted mahogany, sold by Expertissim.com
Natural wood stool, sold by Expertissim.com

Now the beauty of a piece of furniture was assessed according to its form and support. The terminating feet and the rectilinear silhouette of the Regency table proposed on Expertissim.com were all qualities sought by the affluent population in the early 19th century.


Mahogany extending table for sale on Expertissim.com

The reign of functionality
The practicality of the extending table proposed on Expertissim.com, was also extremely popular at that time. Appearing in England in the 18th century, these tables, also known as "English tables" were in vogue in France in the late 18th century because one could receive a large number of guests without having to bother with a long table.


Mahogany extending table proposed by Expertissim.com

Expertissim.com offers you a chance to acquire the mahogany extending table, proof of an eventful yet refined period that seized the technical progress with finesse.

Clémence ENRIQUEZ (étudiante à l'Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne)

SOLD OBJECTS all

EXPERT'S PAGE

Reference: 631009

Period: Regency

Dimensions: 74 x 116 x 55,5 cm (29 x 45-1/2 x 21-3/4 in.).

Valuation:
$1,024-$1,279

Mahogany table with extendable leaves.
Fitted with three drawers along the apron.
Terminating legs on casters.

England, British Regency (1790-1830).

Missing a handle.

Height: 74 cm (29 in.) - Width: 116 cm (45-1/2 in.) - Depth: 55,5 cm (21-3/4 in.).