CIRCA 1835

The circular extending dining-table was effectively invented by Robert Jupe who patented his 'Improved Expanding Table' in 1835. His pattern for a mechanical table opening on a capstan allowed triangular leaves to be fitted to a circular top, thus enlarging the circumference, and the design was to prove so popular that other versions, such as the table offered here with additional leaves attached around the edge, usually supported by lopers, soon appeared. The legs of this table relate directly to those seen on a design by Gillows for their `Imperial' telescopic rectangular dining-table drawn in 1849 (illustrated S. Stuart, Gillows of Lancaster and London 1730-1840, Woodbridge, 2008, vol. I, p. 247, plate 244; also plate 243).
A mid-Victorian expanding dining-table on a pedestal base was at Wentbridge House, Yorkshire, and inherited by Lady Gascoigne, now at Temple Newsam House, Leeds (see C. Gilbert, Furniture at Temple Newsam House and Lotherton Hall, Leeds, 1978, vol. II, no. 413). Other similar extending tables but with downswept legs sold: Christie’s, New York, 23 October 2002, lot 232 ($31,070 inc' prem') and Christie’s, London, 17 November 2016, lot 21 (£32,500 inc' prem'), and another dated to the William IV period on a tripod base sold Sotheby’s, London, 18 November 2018, lot 343, £70,850 (inc' prem').