Lot 235
RARE REGENCY MAHOGANY SLIPPER-MAKER'S WORK TABLE
EARLY 19TH CENTURY
Auction: Day One: 06 September 2023 | From 11:00
Description
the removable lift-off tray top revealing a three quarter gallery and compartmented interior, above frieze drawers to both short sides, raised on tapered end supports and downscrolling legs ending in brass caps and castors and united by a turned stretcher, with neoclassical gilt metal mounts throughout; containing a quantity of 19th century slipper-making tools and materials, leather soles, and wood lasts some stamped I THORPE/ STAFFORD and F. MACKIE
Dimensions
59cm wide, 87cm high, 42cm deep
Provenance
Provenance: John George Joicey Bequest Collection
Footnote
Note: Women in the 18th and 19th centuries were expected to exhibit their needleworking skills in a variety of ways by making both decorative as well as useful items. The embroidery of slipper uppers became a widespread domestic pastime for the upper and middle classes, as slippers were usually worn by ladies at home. Patterns could be purchased or taken from magazines, and when the embroidered uppers were completed, they would be taken to a shoemaker for finishing. In 1847 the cost of making up a pair of worked slippers was 14 shillings, about the same price as a pair of ready-made French slippers. Not many people would have had the skill or equipment to undertake the whole process from start to finish, making the present work table so rare. The present table would appear to be a one-off, made and outfitted for an accomplished amateur slipper maker.