Skip to main content
Advanced Search
2024-107, Table
Lady's Work Table
2024-107, Table

Lady's Work Table

Dateca. 1820
OriginAmerica, Maryland, Baltimore
MediumPrimary wood: Mahogany and mahogany veneer; secondary woods: mahogany, tulip poplar, yellow pine
DimensionsOverall: 27 3/4 × 25 7/8 × 14 1/2in. (70.5 × 65.7 × 36.8cm)
Credit LineGift of Calder Loth
Object number2024-107
DescriptionAstragal ended work table; central rectangular top with two demilune (astragal) compartments on ends with hinged lids, all with reeded edges; lids open to reveal shallow, fitted, divided, removable trays with space below; central drawer in apron, below rectangular top portion, with applied cockbeaded edge, ivory knobs and brass keyhole escutcheon; applied double bead around straight skirt; four turned reeded legs with double bead at top and tapered foot.
Label TextLady’s work tables were small, portable pieces of furniture that could be moved throughout a room or house as needed for a woman’s work. Needlework, reading, and writing were all occupations associated with this form. The small, removable trays that sit within the end units of this table might have held small needlework tools or threads. The table descended in the Turner family and may originally have been owned by James Turner (1783-1861) and his wife Sarah Calder Turner (1796-1874) of Castle Calder Farm in Parkton, Baltimore County, Maryland. The use of mahogany as a secondary wood in this piece suggests a possible origin in the Baltimore cabinet shop of William Camp, whose shop was known for his fine workmanship and use of mahogany secondary wood. However, other Baltimore cabinetmaking shops such as those of John Needles and Edward Priestly cannot be ruled out as possible makers at this point.
InscribedInscription on white tape inside proper right end “In Care of Calder Loth as of 1958".
ProvenanceDescended in family of James Turner (1783-1861) and Sarah Calder Turner (1796-1874), Castle Calder Farm, Parkton, Baltimore County, Maryland. Presumed line of descent: James Turner (1783-1861) and Sarah Calder Turner (1796-1874); to son James Calder Turner (1813-1882); Known line of descent: to son James Calder Turner (1839-1912); to son James Calder Turner (1888-1924) and Katherine Thayer Given Reynolds Turner (1892-1966), Baltimore County, Maryland and Lexington, Kentucky; to daughter Jane Thayer Turner Loth (1916-1948); to son Calder Loth; 2024 to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.