CIRCA 1810, AFTER THE DESIGN BY GILLOWS

Gillows patented their Imperial dining-table in 1804 in which a variable number of loose leaves were fitted between fixed end leaves and initially with as many as ten or twelve legs to support the central leaves. Within a few years the design largely superseded most earlier ones and it remained popular such that another drawing of an improved version of the table by Ferguson & Co, successor to the Gillow family business, is dated as late as 1849 (see S. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840, Woodbridge, 2008, vol. I, pp. 243-246).

The pattern was widely adopted by other manufacturers including Thomas Butler, cabinet-maker of Catherine Street, London. In the early 19th century he became known for manufacturing a variety of patent furniture including dining-tables with detachable legs 'particularly adapted and for travelling and exportation'. Related tables, some bearing Butler's engraved brass plaque, are illustrated in C. Gilbert, Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840, Leeds, 1996, pp. 128 - 130, pl. 173 - 178).