Table

A circular table on detachable carved pedestal base. The top is decorated with marquetry work, featuring a central chessboard with motifs on each side associated with the early history of Wellington - a church, government and commercial buildings, and a sailing ship, possibly the early immigrant ship "Aurora." The outer rim of the table top is decorated with a pattern of sailing ships and botanical motifs.

 

James Petherick (1836 – 1895) came to Wellington from England with his family on the ship "Aurora" in January 1840. They were among Wellington’s earliest colonial settlers. James later worked as a carpenter and builder in Wellington, and served as a City Councillor for many years. The local scenes he depicts on the table he made in his spare time reflect his pride in the city.

The table was exhibited at the Sydney International Exhibition in 1879, and awarded medals at the Melbourne International Exhibition of 1880-1881, the Wellington Industrial Exhibition of 1885, and the London Colonial and Indian Exhibition of 1886.