Newport Meets Paris in Narragansett (Tea table)

2006

The rails and overall proportion of this piece are descended from a small group of tea tables made by John Goddard in the 1760s. While those tables have cabriole legs and claw and ball feet, this piece has legs inspired by Emil-Jacques Ruhlman's designs of the 1920s. Philbrick explains, "I rarely name my work, but I have described this table as "Newport meets Paris in Narragansett." The wood, Cuban or Santo Dominican mahogany (Swietenia Mahogani), is the same as that used in the best of 18th c. furniture, be it Newport, New York, Philadelphia or London. Sadly, this material has been commercially extinct for over a hundred years. It does continue to grow as an ornamental tree on roadsides, golf courses and churchyards throughout the Caribbean basin. This stock came from St. Croix, felled by a hurricane."

Cuban mahogany

overall: 28 in x 36 in x 21 in

Purchased with funds from Robert and Heidi Manice

2010.009.001