Object Description
Large early 20th century oak refectory table made in England by Beresford and Hicks of London. This is a very well made, strong and solid refectory dining table which stands on a substantial superstructure attached by five legs to a double y shape lower stretcher. This must be one of the most solidly made refectory tables that we have seen of any period. The arrangement of the legs and lower stretcher means that the table benefits from the strength of the stretchers without the structure getting in the way of the feet of dinner guests. The frieze is good and high so it does not get in the way of knees. The finish could do with a good coating of natural beeswax to bring back the golden colour. This can be carried out in our own workshops if required.
English circa 1925 £3600
305cm / 10′ long
98cm / 38½” deep
77cm / 30½” high
There is a lot of information about Jack Beresford and his father Julius Beresford on Wikipdia which is well worth a read. There were famous Olympic rowers as well as highly regarded furniture makers.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Beresford
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Beresford
Here is some information about the company:
Beresford and Hicks of 135-139 Curtain Road, London, EC2 (Old Street End). Telegraphic Address: “Hickober-Norton, London”. Telephone: Wall 3807-8. (Listed 1922 and 1929).
Ditto Address. Telephone: Bishopsgate 1876-7-8-9. Cables: “Hickober, Finsquare”. Factories: Berick Works, Hemsworth Street, London, N1. (1947)
Julius Beresford (born June 29, 1868 – died September 29, 1959), also known as “Berry” or “The Old Berry” was a British rower and coach. He won silver at the 1912 Summer Olympics in the coxed four.
He was a Polish emigre and changed his surname from “Wiszniewski”. Outside rowing, he was a partner in the furniture making business, Beresford and Hicks.
1922 Listed Exhibitor – British Industries Fair. Manufacturers of Antique Reproduction Furniture. Manufacturing Upholsterers and General Cabinet Makers. Large stock always on show. (Stand No. C34)
1929 Listed Exhibitor – British Industries Fair. Manufacturers of Antique Reproduction Furniture, Bedroom Furniture, Bedsteads (Wood), Bookcases, Bureaux, Cabinets, Chairs, Dining Room Furniture, Drawing Room Furniture, Hall Furniture, Mirrors, Tables, Upholstered Furniture, Lacquer Furniture. (Stand Nos. T.17 and T.38) [3]
1947 Listed Exhibitor – British Industries Fair. Manufacturers and Designers of fine furniture. Specialising in High Grade Productions for Export including Bedroom, Dining, Lounge Furniture and Upholstery to Customers’ own design. (Earls Court, 1st Floor, Stand No. 695)