Her Majesty’s Furniture: King William III’s Silver Table, 1699

Silver Table,
English, 1699
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Made in 1699 of silver and oak, this magnificent table is part of a suite of silver furnishings commissioned by William III for Kensington Palace in 1698. While the suite had been created expressly for Kensington Palace, it’s not certain whether or not they made it to their intended location. The records for this table are sketchy and aren’t well maintained until the reign of King George III.

On his accession in 1760 George III inherited three late seventeenth-century suites of silver tables, mirrors and stands. For decades, these pieces had been displayed in the State rooms at Windsor Castle where they had sat, at least, since the reign of Queen Anne. George III had the suite cleaned and repaired. This table was among those pieces of furniture.

However, by the reign of George III, the popularity of silver furnishings had diminished and in February 1764, records indicate that “three silver tables and six stands,” together with numerous old sconces, chandeliers and firedogs “which are not English Standard,” were “Delivered to be melted . . . to be reduced into English Sterling to complete his Majesty’s Gift of 8000oz of old Plate to the Duke of Gloucester.” This refers to a generous gift that the King was making to his third brother, Prince William, Duke of Gloucester.

At that point, no record of silver furnishings is shown in any of the collection archives nor in the records of the Jewel House. However, in February of 1805 an account of “their Majesties’ Fete at Windsor Castle” noted “the novel and grand appearance of four silver tables, between each window [in the Queen’s Ballroom]. The magnificent effect of the tables was considerably heightened by four most elegant pier glasses over each with silver frames.” Records also show that for this same ball, five silver chandeliers were hung in the Ballroom and the Queen’s Drawing Room next door.

Somehow, this table and three of its mates were spared from being melted down. This particular table was left in the Queen’s Ballroom on a more permanent basis after that night in 1805. It was recorded in a view of the Queen’s Ballroom in 1817 and remains as part of the Royal Collection in Buckingham Palace to this day.

Her Majesty’s Furniture: King William III’s Silver Table, 1699

Silver Table,
English, 1699
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Made in 1699 of silver and oak, this magnificent table is part of a suite of silver furnishings commissioned by William III for Kensington Palace in 1698. While the suite had been created expressly for Kensington Palace, it’s not certain whether or not they made it to their intended location. The records for this table are sketchy and aren’t well maintained until the reign of King George III.

On his accession in 1760 George III inherited three late seventeenth-century suites of silver tables, mirrors and stands. For decades, these pieces had been displayed in the State rooms at Windsor Castle where they had sat, at least, since the reign of Queen Anne. George III had the suite cleaned and repaired. This table was among those pieces of furniture.

However, by the reign of George III, the popularity of silver furnishings had diminished and in February 1764, records indicate that “three silver tables and six stands,” together with numerous old sconces, chandeliers and firedogs “which are not English Standard,” were “Delivered to be melted . . . to be reduced into English Sterling to complete his Majesty’s Gift of 8000oz of old Plate to the Duke of Gloucester.” This refers to a generous gift that the King was making to his third brother, Prince William, Duke of Gloucester.

At that point, no record of silver furnishings is shown in any of the collection archives nor in the records of the Jewel House. However, in February of 1805 an account of “their Majesties’ Fete at Windsor Castle” noted “the novel and grand appearance of four silver tables, between each window [in the Queen’s Ballroom]. The magnificent effect of the tables was considerably heightened by four most elegant pier glasses over each with silver frames.” Records also show that for this same ball, five silver chandeliers were hung in the Ballroom and the Queen’s Drawing Room next door.

Somehow, this table and three of its mates were spared from being melted down. This particular table was left in the Queen’s Ballroom on a more permanent basis after that night in 1805. It was recorded in a view of the Queen’s Ballroom in 1817 and remains as part of the Royal Collection in Buckingham Palace to this day.

Her Majesty's Furniture: The Hintz Tea Table, 1737

The Victoria & Albert Museum

This mahogany tripod, tilt-top table is inlaid with brass and mother-of-pearl. The top features beautifully scalloped edges, and is dished to hold tea wares. The edges around the dished portions are decorated with inlaid gentian flowers and leaves. The central pedestal is joined by three legs which are, curiously, in the form of human legs complete with stockings and buckled shoes. These anthropomorphic legs are rare, and are most likely inspired by Dutch prototypes.


In the 1730s, furniture of the utmost quality was decorated with brass inlay and mother-of-pearl. This is especially true of the Hintz Furniture Company—the makers of this table who advertised their use of mother-of-pearl as well as brass inlay from 1737-1738.

Her Majesty’s Furniture: King William III’s Silver Table, 1699

Silver Table,
English, 1699
The Royal Collection

Made in 1699 of silver and oak, this magnificent table is part of a suite of silver furnishings commissioned by William III for Kensington Palace in 1698. While the suite had been created expressly for Kensington Palace, it’s not certain whether or not they made it to their intended location. The records for this table are sketchy and aren’t well maintained until the reign of King George III.

On his accession in 1760 George III inherited three late seventeenth-century suites of silver tables, mirrors and stands. For decades, these pieces had been displayed in the State rooms at Windsor Castle where they had sat, at least, since the reign of Queen Anne. George III had the suite cleaned and repaired. This table was among those pieces of furniture.

However, by the reign of George III, the popularity of silver furnishings had diminished and in February 1764, records indicate that “three silver tables and six stands,” together with numerous old sconces, chandeliers and firedogs “which are not English Standard,” were “Delivered to be melted . . . to be reduced into English Sterling to complete his Majesty’s Gift of 8000oz of old Plate to the Duke of Gloucester.” This refers to a generous gift that the King was making to his third brother, Prince William, Duke of Gloucester.

At that point, no record of silver furnishings is shown in any of the collection archives nor in the records of the Jewel House. However, in February of 1805 an account of “their Majesties’ Fete at Windsor Castle” noted “the novel and grand appearance of four silver tables, between each window [in the Queen’s Ballroom]. The magnificent effect of the tables was considerably heightened by four most elegant pier glasses over each with silver frames.” Records also show that for this same ball, five silver chandeliers were hung in the Ballroom and the Queen’s Drawing Room next door.

Somehow, this table and three of its mates were spared from being melted down. This particular table was left in the Queen’s Ballroom on a more permanent basis after that night in 1805. It was recorded in a view of the Queen’s Ballroom in 1817 and remains as part of the Royal Collection in Buckingham Palace to this day.

Object of the Day: An Antique Early Victorian Table

This walnut table from the late 1840’s is an excellent example of the kind of furnishings which would have been found in the home of a family in Britain’s quickly-growing Nineteenth Century middle class.

With a neatly carved fluted pedestal and orb rising from elegant cabriole legs, the table shows a simplicity of design which would have blended with more ornate pieces of furniture, but worked nicely as an occasional piece which was frequently moved around as needed.

At some point in its life, the legs were reinforced by the introduction of a wooden disk. After that many years, all of us would need a little extra help standing.

Object of the Day: A Victorian Papier Mache Occasional Table

In case it hasn’t been evident over the last ten weeks, I have a particular fondness for Victorian papier mache objects. I think it’s the combination of durability and fragility inherent to the medium which makes me feel so warmly toward it. I’m also quite fond of the coloring and decoration of these objects—so typically Victorian.


One of my favorite little objects is this dear little papier mache table. The top is an ebonized papier mache tray, inlaid with mother of pearl within a hand-painted crest of roses and wildflowers. The whole of the top is painted with a decorative gold border. The base of the table is a gently-turned pedestal supported by three fluted and gilt curved legs.

In much the fashion of the papier mache tilt-top tea tables, small tables such as this were used in drawing rooms and parlors and offered a convenient place to rest of cup of tea and a nice dish of little sandwiches. Come to think of it, perhaps it’s my deep love of tea and little sandwiches that guides me toward these objects. Nevertheless, no cup and saucer will touch this table now. After over a century of existence, it’s earned the right to just stand there and look pretty.

Object of the Day: An Antique Chinoiserie Inlaid Table

In England, during the early parts of Victoria’s reign, furniture designers looked toward other cultures for inspiration. One area of fascination was the work of Asian craftsmen. English artists tried to incorporate Asian designs into quintessentially English furnishings.


This heavy wooden table reflects those influences. Four hand-carved legs scroll into delicate volutes which support hand-turned spindles upon which four inverted, scrolled brackets rest. This cage-like design surrounds a massive hand-lathed pedestal. Surrounded by a delicate ogee, the table top has been meticulously inlaid with a Chinese-inspired pattern of Mother-of-Pearl. The luminescent pearl takes the form of dragons amidst glowing clouds and is surrounded by a geometric pattern.

The French referred to this emulation of Chinese style as “Chinoiserie.” Popular in France during the late Eighteenth Century, the Chinoiserie style was later embraced by English designers. This table dates to the early 1820’s. With its rich ebony color and shimmering Mother-of-Pearl, this table makes a dramatic statement. Displayed on a round Persian rug, I’ve made this table the centerpiece of my entryway. It’s also, as you can see, Bertie’s central station. Perfect to nap under, this table also serves as a resting place for his toys which he likes to stuff into the spindles. I can’t speak for why Bertie is so fond of this piece of furniture, but for me, I’m in love with its magnificent craftsmanship and historical significance.

Object of the Day: Antique Victorian Papier Mache Tea Table

When we think of papier mache with tend to conjure up an image of dripping, glue-y paper wrapped around a balloon—the stuff of fourth grade science project models of the solar system. However, papier mache is an incredibly durable material that has been employed for centuries for use in the home. The Victorian era saw papier mache employed in all manner of the decorative arts--including furnishings. Papier mache objects are difficult to come by today, but some still remain.


This English tea table is a perfect example of the Victorian art of using papier mache to its full potential. Layers upon layers of papier mache form this scalloped table. Inlaid with Mother of Pearl and hand-painted with a quintessentially Victorian pattern of flowers and golden volutes, this table stands upright on its turned, three-footed, base. Ready to be clicked in place for use in the serving of a delicious tea, this table served as a decorative object when not in use.

I love this table which is the centerpiece of my collection of papier mache antiques. Its place is by the fireplace in my bedroom where it proudly reminds me of the ingenuity and beauty of Victorian England. Certainly the antithesis of a hastily consumed swig of tea from a Styrofoam cup, this tea table encourages me to pause and make the most of the inherent loveliness in even the simplest of moments.