Work table

Object/Artifact

-

Saco Museum

Name/Title

Work table

Entry/Object ID

2014.224.1

Description

Drop-leaf work table with a rectangular top with molded edges. The top drawer has two small square compartments and a tray for pens along the front edge, with a hinged black fabric covered writing surface mounted immediately behind the compartments. The second drawer contains a removable tray with compartments in two rows. Below the drawers is a sliding bag drawer frame with a pleated green silk bag, now faded to a pale olive color. The bag is a replacement, as the rear seams have machine stitching. The turned wooden drawer knobs appear to be original. The ring and rope-turned legs with retain their original brass cups and casters.

Dimensions

Height

28-1/4 in

Width

19 in

Depth

19 in

Dimension Notes

Drop leafs 8.00 each top drawer 2.25, bottom 2.00 Basket 16.50 H, 7.25 W, 7.25 D

Material

mahogany, mahogany veneer, pine, silk bag

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Object Label

Label

Work Table, 1820-1825 Boston, Moses Mellen mahogany, mahogany veneer, pine Gift of the estate of George Addison Emery

Label Type

Cultural/Historical Context

Label

In his 1803 Cabinet Dictionary, Sheraton described what he called a "pouch" table as a "Table with a Bag, used by the Ladies to work at, in which bag they deposit their fancy needlework." That term was rarely used in America, however, and such tables were known here as “work tables.” A work table's storage capacity was at least as important as the size of its working surface. Such tables often included a writing drawer, occasionally a chessboard or looking glass, and often a bag for storing needlework. Since work tables were emblems of their owner's accomplishments, much like embroidered samplers, they were often placed in parlors and sitting rooms where visitors and suitors could see and admire them. Moses Mellen probably made this table early in his career. He operated a furniture warehouse in Boston from 1821 until his retirement in 1853. Boston city directories record his warehouse 2 Dock Square in 1821 and on Brattle Street from 1822 to 1825. By 1825, he had moved to Union Street, where he worked in partnership with Charles Hopkins from 1837 to 1846.