An important Mid-19th century English specimen marble Table, having moulded edge top with 110 varying panels centred by Fossil marble panel..
Manufactured by The Woodley family at the Petitor Quarry in Devon
The Table supported on associated mahogany turned stem base with stepped plinth.
To see another table similar to this you can find it on display at the British Museum and it’s creator was John Woodley.
The Woodley family originated from Broadhempston, headed by Daniel Woodley. It was Daniel who took over the lease of Petitor Quarry and it was the Woodley Family who were resposible for developing the marble industry. In doing so they attracted Royal patronage. Daniel (senior) together with his two son’s, Daniel, who was born in 1797 and the youngest son, John, born in 1814, played an integral role in the establishment of the market in marble in St Marychurch, Devon.
By the 1840’s, the youngest son, John, had clearly made his mark with the marble works. He was recorded, at the age of 38, to have a workforce of 17 marble masons and 8 labourers. The year 1851 was to be a very important year for him as a marble table was displayed by the family at the Great Exhibition and won a medal. The table was later sold to an illustrious personage for a considerable amount of money.
Fame was around the corner for John when he caught the attention of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria, when they were visiting the area on the Royal Yacht, it was 1852 when the royal couple visited the marble works in Devon and subsequently placed a large order which was destined for Osborne House. In October 1856 John also met the Prince of Wales, who was later to become KIng Edward VII who purchased a valuable table inlaid with Devonshire marble.
The Woodley Works and John’s works are regarded as the finest ever produced in Devon and display the rarest fossilised stones of the area.
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