ENGLISH · VICTORIAN · CIRCA 1860
A handsome antique Victorian burr walnut oval loo table, dating from circa 1860, distinguished by its richly figured top, substantial carved pedestal base and elegant scrolling quadriform support.
The large oval top displays particularly attractive burr walnut figuring, arranged to create a highly decorative and almost symmetrical surface pattern. The warm golden-brown colour and natural movement of the timber give the table exceptional visual depth.
Date
Circa 1860
Origin
England
Period
Victorian
Timber
Burr Walnut
Key Characteristics
- Victorian oval loo table
- English, circa 1860
- Highly figured burr walnut top
- Large oval dining or centre-table format
- Decorative moulded edge
- Substantial carved central pedestal
- Four scrolling carved supports
- Acorn and foliate carved ornament
- Warm figured walnut colour throughout
- Generous 150 cm wide top
Burr Walnut Top
The principal feature of the table is its broad oval top, veneered in richly figured burr walnut. The natural swirling grain has been carefully selected and arranged to create a balanced decorative surface with strong visual movement across the entire top.
Burr walnut was among the most prized cabinetmaking timbers of the Victorian period, valued for its complex figure and warm tonal variation. On a top of this scale, the effect is especially impressive.
A gently moulded edge frames the surface and gives the table a refined finish without distracting from the timber itself.
Carved Pedestal Base
The top is supported on a substantial central pedestal enriched with deeply carved foliate ornament. The pedestal divides into four sweeping legs, each with pronounced scroll terminals and further carved detailing.
This sculptural base gives the table a strong architectural presence while allowing the large oval top to appear visually balanced and well supported.
The carving is particularly effective from lower viewpoints, where the sweeping profile of the supports and the contrast between the darker base and lighter burr walnut top can be fully appreciated.
Form & Use
Tables of this type are traditionally associated with the Victorian loo-table form, originally designed as versatile centre tables and frequently made with tilting tops for convenient storage.
Today, this scale and format make the table highly adaptable. It can work effectively as a centre table, occasional dining table or statement piece within a drawing room, entrance hall or large living space.
At 150 cm wide, the top offers generous surface area while the central pedestal leaves the outer perimeter relatively free from obstructive corner legs.
A Decorative Victorian Statement Table
The strongest appeal of this table lies in the combination of its highly figured burr walnut top and bold carved pedestal base. Together they give the piece considerably more presence than a standard Victorian dining or centre table.
Its warm colour, elegant oval form and strong sculptural base make it particularly suitable for both traditional interiors and more contemporary rooms where a single antique piece can provide contrast and character.
Offered by Hawkins Antiques, family antique furniture specialists since the 1960s.
