Antique Work Table

Antique Work Table

The Antique Work Table or ‘Work box’ was also known as a sewing box. It was an essential piece of antique furniture for the Victorian Lady, where she would keep her sewing and embroidery tools, fabric, needles and materials. The Antique sewing Work box often had a fabric lined drawer for wool and a drawer with lots of dividers for needles, cotton thread and pins. They will usually stand on elegant turned legs or a central pedestal with shaped base, bun feet and castors so they can be easily moved around the home. The antique work box will also be finished on all sides so could be placed in the centre of a room and look desirable from all angles. The woods used in their construction was mainly figured Mahogany or more pretty timbers like burr Walnut or Rosewood. The very best examples were inlaid with elegant designs such as stately homes using very skilful Tunbridge-ware inlay, but only the most skilled Victorian cabinet makers could produce such detailed work as it was difficult to achieve. Antique Work boxes are beautiful 19th Century freestanding piece of antique furniture and make the perfect side table with the added benefit of storage provided. Have a look below at our lovely examples available for sale below.

Styles of an Antique Work Table

Dating from around 1835, this striking work box can also be used as a sofa table, with the most striking figured top with two drop leaves, so may be extended if required. This sits above a mahogany lined cock beaded drawer with decorative brass handles and is mirrored on the opposite side with a faux drawer and beneath is a pull out work box. This striking antique stands on a cylindrical pedestal with quadraform base and the most spectacular lion paw carved feet with brass castors.

Striking William IV Figured Mahogany Antique Work Box / Sofa Table

This superb quality mid 19th Century French Boulle Work Table / Ladies Sewing Table dates from ca. 1870. It is of fine construction with ebonised edges and embellished with Boulle inlaid red detailing and decorative brass. This fine inlaid detailing is repeated throughout the table and is finished with the addition of brass feet mounts. The lift up top comes with a lock and working key and it raises to reveal a fitted interior with a mirror to the lid. A small discreet pull out work basket is located underneath.

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