Details

Object type

table

Place Associated

England, London (place of manufacture)

Date

circa 1569

Materials

oak

Dimensions

overall: 900 mm x 2295 mm x 1023 mm

Description

This basic structure of this rare table is made from oak, but it is intricately decorated with various inlaid coloured woods. The date ‘1569’ is inlaid on the table surface, flanked by the initials ‘IB’ and ‘MB’. Around this central section and the tabletop edge are inlaid strapwork borders interlinked with various motifs – flowers, animals, birds and figures. The decoration also features heraldic shields bearing the arms of the Brome and Crossley families. The edges, stretchers and legs of the table are also elaborately inlaid. The initials, date and heraldic arms almost certainly celebrate a marriage between members of the two families concerned.

This table is similar to a famous table with inlaid decoration in Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire known as the ‘Eglantine Table’, which has been described as ‘probably the most interesting English table in existence’ (Percy Quoid). Glasgow’s table is, likewise, important for its rarity, documentary interest, and for the nature and technique of its decoration. Both tables can be interpreted in various ways – as representative of high-status furniture of the Elizabethan period, and via their technical aspects of design and manufacture.

Sir William Burrell acquired the table from the dealers Acton Surgey in 1946. It was gifted directly to Glasgow Museums at the time of purchase.

Credit Line/Donor

Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944

Collection

Burrell Collection: Furniture

ID Number

14.306

Location

Burrell Collection