Work and Games table

item details

NameWork and Games table

ProductionJames Annear; cabinetmaker; 1848; New Zealand

Classificationtables, furniture

Materialswood, metal, cloth

Techniquesmarquetry

DimensionsOverall: 695mm (width), 765mm (height), 490mm (depth)

Registration NumberPF000215

Credit linePurchased 1991 with Charles Disney Art Trust funds

Overview

This work and games table was made by James Annear, one of New Zealand's first cabinetmakers, in 1848. The table is made in the Regency style - an eclectic mode of design and decoration that was influenced by Greek, Roman, Gothic, Egyptian, and Asian ornament. The style was popular during the time of Annear's apprenticeship.

New Zealand woods
Annear's table is made entirely from New Zealand woods. It is constructed in tōtara wood, veneered in burr tōtara, and has a chessboard pattern on the top in rewarewa. The wood maire was used for the marquetry work, an art where pieces of wood are inlaid into furniture to create decoration.

Like many early artisans working in wood, Annear was quick to see the potential of New Zealand's native timbers. He advertised his wares in the Wellington press as 'articles of Cabinet Work, made of the finest specimens of New Zealand Figured Woods'. He was proud of his work - this table is signed and dated ' October 29 1848 Maker James Annear', and still has Annear's original label attached to the back. Few other examples of his craftsmanship exist today.

James Annear
Before this table was offered for auction in 1991, little was known about its maker. James Annear (1814-83) arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, in August 1840. He soon set up his family and business in a house in the suburb of Thorndon. The Annear family moved to Australia in 1853.