s Pair of side tables, c.1791-1811 - Hull Museums Collections

Pair of side tables, c.1791-1811

These tables have been designed cleverly. They can be used separately as side tables against a wall. Alternatively, they can be put together to make one circular table with symmetrical decoration.

Different types of wood have been used to make the contrasting patterns on the table tops and sides. All of these colours occur naturally in wood, apart from the green flower garlands and inner band. They have been stained green to give a more colourful effect.

The design of these tables was probably inspired by ‘The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Drawing-Book’ by Thomas Sheraton. This book was a popular source of inspiration for furniture makers when these tables were made.

Thomas was born in Stockton-on-Tees in 1751. He worked as a furniture maker and moved to London around 1790. There is no evidence that Thomas made furniture during his time in London. His trade card says he taught ‘perspective, architecture and ornaments, making designs for cabinet-makers’. He supported himself mainly through his work as an author.

‘The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Drawing Book’ was published in four parts in 1791 to 1794. Sheraton’s Drawing Book aimed to teach people about drawing, geometric representation, architecture and perspective. As an experienced cabinet maker, he drew designs for pieces of furniture to illustrate his points.

Soon the Drawing Book was in great demand among furniture makers who wanted to copy Sheraton’s designs. 600 English cabinet makers and joiners subscribed to the Drawing Book. The styles illustrated in Sheraton’s Drawing Book influenced furniture for many years.

Thomas Sheraton’s name became applied to the distinctive style of furniture illustrated in his designs. This style of furniture was mainly popular in the late Georgian period, until 1811. Many pieces of furniture survive from this period that were either copied from or influenced by his designs.