Summary:
• Item: Library Table
• Circa: 1850
• Cabinetmaker: Lamb of Manchester
• Provenance: England, UK
• Size: 6ft 6” wide by 4ft 4” deep
• Wood: Solid oak
• Octagonal thumb moulded surface
• Top quality new black gold tool leather hide
• Two large drawers either side
• Oak lined & hand dovetailed drawers
• Original turned drawer knobs
• Original working lever locks (with key)
• Substantial bracket support legs
• Fluted architectural columns
• Turned cross stretcher
• Scroll feet
• Original brown mug castors
• Free-standing desk
• Good condition
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 days UK returns policy
Description:
This is an impressive antique English Victorian 6ft 6” wide oak & leather partners library table, made by the renowned cabinetmakers, James Lamb of Manchester, circa 1850, in good condition. The octagonal shaped writing surface features a lovely thumb moulded edge, which surrounds a professionally fitted top quality black and gold tool leather inset single hide. The table benefits from two large cushion fronted drawers on each side, interspersed by small floral carved panels. The cushion-fronted drawers retain their original turned button handles centred with a flower head and original working locks (with working key). The drawers are constructed with fine hand dovetail joints, with oak drawer linings and oak drawer bottoms. One of the drawers is stamped “Lamb of Manchester”. The apron is decorated with a bead moulding. The table is raised on two substantial bracket supports each centred with a bull’s eye roundel and flanked by two fluted architectural type columns. The brackets are joined by a fluted and turned cross stretcher and raised on scroll feet, incorporating the original brown mug castors.
If you do not like the colour of the leather, we can replace it with a different colour leather for an additional £550.
This type of table was designed to stand in the centre of a room, as there are two working drawers to all sides of the table. This library table is a truly classic design in the style of the mid Victorian period. All in all, this is a substantial and good quality table.
This item would compliment any home, office or library and is ideal as either a library table or large desk. So, don’t miss out your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture!
Dimensions:
Writing height = 74.9cm or 29½” or 2ft 5½”
Knee height = 58cm or 22⅞” or 1ft 10⅞”
Width = 198cm or 78” or 6ft 6”
Depth (including knobs) = 133cm or 52⅜” or 4ft 4⅜”
Provenance:
Lamb of Manchester were distinguished cabinetmakers during the mid Victorian period in Manchester. Born in 1816, James Lamb joined his family’s cabinet making business and developed it into one of the most well respected and prestigious cabinetmakers of their time, providing interior design services and top quality furniture for the wealthy industrial families in the north of England. Their work was finally recognised on the international stage, when they were awarded medals at the London 1862 Exhibition and the Paris 1867 Exhibition. James Lamb died in 1903; his obituary appeared in The Journal of Decorative Art and British Decorators where it was quoted: “His name was a synonym for the best in everything that he did from 1850 – 1885, and he towered over everybody in Lancashire and Yorkshire as maker of high class furniture. His name for 50 years stood as a landmark for all that was best in both spheres of industrial art”. Lamb of Manchester helped nurture upcoming talent in their industry with the likes of designers such as Charles Bevan, Bruce Talbert and W. J. Estall, worked for Lamb of Manchester during their careers.
Condition Report:
This library table is in good condition. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges of the table, drawer fronts and legs, but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The table has been polished in our workshops. The library table has been professionally fitted top quality black and gold tool leather inset single hide. Therefore, the leather is clean and free from any wear, damage, or stains. If you do not like the colour of the leather, we can replace it with different colour leather, for an additional £550. The drawers retain their original oak turned knobs, along with the original working lever locks (with keys). The drawers are oak lined and hand dovetailed; which is a further sign of quality. The drawers are in good working order and close flush to the frame and table stands on its original legs and brown mug castors. There are no missing carvings. The table is solid in joint and ready to use.
Terms & Conditions:
Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.
Ref. Library Table 25