A RARE WILLIAM IV PARROT COAL OCCASIONAL TABLE

A RARE WILLIAM IV PARROT COAL OCCASIONAL TABLE

BY R. MARTIN, DATED '1836'

the rectangular top on a faceted stem and quatreform base, signed and dated to the underside of the top

75.8cm high, 68.7cm wide, 47.3cm deep

Provenance

David and Paula Newman, London / Eastbourne.

Literature

See Furniture History, Volume 23, 1987, pp.35-38 for an article by David Jones titled 'Coal Furniture in Scotland'.

Catalogue Note

Parrot coal is a geological formation dating back to the Carboniferous period. The term 'parrot' refers to the chattering noise it makes when it is burnt. It was used during the 19th century to produce furniture as it has similar characteristics to marble. The West Wemyss Colliery in Fife is well known for the excavation of parrot coal and tables and other objects made by the stonemason Thomas Williamson were exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851.

A similar table was sold by Mallams, Cheltenham in 2011.