Antique Victorian Thornton & Hearn Folding Coaching Campaign Table, c1890

A fascinating and highly practical late Victorian folding coaching or campaign table, dating to circa 1890 and retaining the original maker/retailer’s label for Thornton & Hearn, 13 Little Cadogan Place, Pont Street, S.W., London.

Designed specifically with portability in mind, this ingenious table completely collapses into a remarkably slim upright form, making it an excellent example of the adaptable furniture produced for travel, military use, coaching and temporary accommodation during the late 19th century.

When opened, the table forms a generous circular top measuring approximately 912 mm (35.9 inches) in diameter. The top is constructed in two hinged semicircular sections, opening flat to create the full circular surface. Brass hinges are neatly recessed into the timber.

Beneath is the table’s most interesting feature: an elaborate folding X-frame base, constructed with turned timber legs and stretchers. The paired supports pivot around their central joints, allowing the entire underframe to concertina together when not required. The numerous turned details give the base considerably more decorative character than a purely utilitarian campaign table.

When erected, the crossed supports spread to form a stable base, while the circular top sits at approximately 625 mm high. When folded, the two halves of the top close vertically and the supporting framework draws neatly between them, creating a self-contained portable piece requiring very little floor space.

Of particular interest is the surviving Thornton & Hearn label, reading:

THORNTON & HEARN
13, LITTLE CADOGAN PLACE
PONT STREET, S.W.

The label provides an excellent piece of provenance and gives the table a tangible connection with late Victorian London furniture retailing. It is unusual to find portable furniture of this type retaining such a clear period trade label.

The table has deliberately been left with the character accumulated through its working life. The top displays numerous historic scratches, marks, scuffs and variations in colour, while the legs and stretchers similarly show wear from repeated folding, transportation and use. Rather than detracting from the piece, this gives it exactly the appearance one would hope to find on genuine travelling furniture.

Today it would make an extremely interesting occasional, drinks, games or side table, while its ability to fold virtually flat makes it particularly useful where space is limited. It is equally appealing as a decorative example of Victorian mechanical and campaign furniture.

A wonderfully characterful piece of late 19th-century portable furniture, made especially appealing by its ingenious folding construction, crossed turned frame and surviving Thornton & Hearn of Pont Street, London label.

Condition

Good antique condition with extensive age-related surface character. The top displays historic scratches, scuffs, marks and wear consistent with a portable table that has seen considerable use. Further wear and marks are present to the legs and folding framework. The aged surface and patina have been retained and give the table considerable authenticity and decorative appeal.

Dimensions

Open:
Height: 625 mm / 24.6 inches
Diameter: 912 mm / 35.9 inches

Folded:
Height: 1022 mm / 40.2 inches
Width: 920 mm / 36.2 inches

Depth: 189 mm / 7.4 inches

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