E. W. Godwin, Probably Made by William Watt, Circular Centre Tables

E. W. Godwin, probably made by William Watt, these two circular centre tables aligned to the Aesthetic Movement (c.1860 to c.1900), c.1880.

Each table has a moulded circular top above six block and turned legs, united by upper and lower circular stretchers. The lower stretchers have subtle shaped details where they meet each of the legs, an ingenious design detail that adds real strength to the structure while giving the lower frame a more considered finish.

The lower circular stretcher unites the legs and the inner radiating stretchers, which in turn all meet at a central disc. This gives the tables their unique wheel like look and makes the construction notably strong. The design relates directly to a number of known Godwin table designs with radiating stretchers, where the lower framework becomes both a structural and decorative feature.*

A related Godwin centre or dining table with a comparable radiating stretcher arrangement is also recorded by Puritan Values.**

REFERENCES / PROVENANCE

* See Susan Weber Soros, The Secular Furniture of E. W. Godwin, page 150, illustration 214, for a known Godwin table design with radiating stretchers.

** See Puritan Values, E. W. Godwin, Anglo-Japanese Aesthetic Movement walnut centre or dining table, for a related radiating stretcher design.
https://www.puritanvalues.com/product/e-w-godwin-an-anglo-japanese-aesthetic-movement-walnut-centre-or-dining-table