No? Neither had we. It would seem to qualify as a predecessor to the well-known harvest table. While doing some research for an article I plan to write, I came across a “tablebord.” The first known one in the United States dates back to 1642. However, the name itself dates back at least 100 years before that and is most likely English.
I wish I could provide a picture of a true tablebord but I have yet to find one. It is documented that one exists and was part of the Bolles collection, having been rescused from the attic of a deserted house. Much of the Bolles collection resides today in the Metropolitan Museum of Fine Arts. There are some similarities to the table pictured below and a real tablebord, but age isn’t one of them. This table is old but it is not from the 15th century.
A tablebord was usually between ten to twelve feet in length and rougly a little over 2 feet wide. The table top was separate from the trestles on which it sat, usually three of them. A long bench of some sort was used on one side. This is where everyone in the family sat. There was no bench on the opposing side. That side of the table was strictly used for the serving of food and the subsequent cleanup. When it was not in use, the top board was removed and the board was leaned against a wall, along with the trestles. This allowed families living in tight quarters back in the 1600s to eat in comfort.
Something that still doesn’t happen in my house at the end of 2011. So much for progress.
12/26/2011 by Anne Benedetto
The wonderful furniture we know as Craftsman was developed by Gustav Stickley beginning around 1898. His designs were influenced by William Morris (the Morris Chair) who was responsible for the Arts and Crafts Movement in England. I wonder how Gustav Stickley would feel if he knew one of his bookcases would some day sell for $361,000 at Sotheby’s. Already in business for over 100 years when Stickley started making his furniture, Sotheby’s would go on to sell this piece in December of 2007.
size but this was somewhat toned down when Stickley partnered with architect and designer Henry Ellis, on or about 1903. Ellis died in 1904 but his short association with Stickley had a profound affect on future Stickley designs. Gustav Stickley ended up bankrupt in 1916 but not his furniture. That has lived on and his Craftsman style, also referred to as Mission Style, is in much demand still today.
Gustav Stickley’s introduction to the furniture business came in 1876 when he took a job at his uncle’s chair factory. When he began his own business, he sold much of his product to the public directly through catalogs. His brothers did the same. Reprints of the fabulous catalogs produced by both companies can be purchased today. The illustrations are outstanding.
Just because you collect antiques doesn’t mean you have to live in “Grandma’s house.” Home decor has come a long way, and can help bridge yesterday and today, but your antiques will shine in your home if you space plan correctly.
and adding items from the same era on the other side of the room. Additionally, add the gilded gold as a finish in your space. Use it on framed art or perhaps add an accent table with a gilded gold top. As your eye travels around the room, you will visually connect your antiques in your modern space, and your room will just make sense. It’s all about balance.
