Accession Number

988.012

Alternate Name

invalid's table

Description

One mahogany invalid's table. It is adjustable for height and angle. The top is off-set on a single turned pedestal, so that the top can be positioned above a bed for a person confined to it. The top can be raised, lowered and tilted via a brass mechanism on the pedestal. Almost half of the top can be opened to become a book stand which can be adjusted for several angles or to lay flush with the top. Uniformly positioned holes in the tabletop suggest that a removable rail or gallery - possibly of brass - once was part of the table. The bell-shaped wooden base is supported on three wheels. The pedestal is off-set into the base. An ivory-coloured label with information on the manufacturer is attached to the base. The label reads: "Farmer, Lane & Co., Practical Manufacturer's of Children's Carriages, Chairs Etc., also Invalid Furniture".

Narrative

The history of use of this table makes it an exceptional addition to the collection of Craigdarroch Castle. Its final exhibition spot will be in the Castle's guest bedroom where it will help to tell the story of Alexander Dunsmuir's visits to the Castle, where he was sometimes bed-ridden whilst visiting his mother.

This table is an excellent example of the type of innovative patent furniture developed in 19th Century Britain.

History of Use

This table was purchased by The Castle Society at a Victoria auction room in April, 1988. It had been consigned to auction by a man who had purchased it at the auction held at Mary Jean Dunsmuir's house, Mt. Adelaide in August, 1957.

When Joan Olive Dunsmuir died in 1908, her daughter Mary Jean Dunsmuir removed various things from Craigdarroch and took them to her Esquimalt, B.C. house, Mt. Adelaide. When Mary died in 1928, Mt. Adelaide and most of its contents were conveyed to her friends, Tim and Ada Matson. This invalid's table was believed by Castle Society founder James K. Nesbitt, to be one of the things that Mary had brought to Mt. Adelaide from Craigdarroch. Mr. Nesbitt attended the 1957 auction at Mt. Adelaide, and recorded his observations in an article published in The Daily Colonist newspaper just after the sale (see a link to his article below). Mr. Nesbitt knew the house and the Matson family very well. 

The table was used by Mary Jean Dunsmuir at her house Mt. Adelaide from 1908 until her death in 1928. It was next used by Sam and Ada Matson in Mt. Adelaide until 1957. Its history of use from 1957 to 1988 is not known, but it was probably used somewhere in Greater Victoria.

It was probably used at Craigdarroch by Marion Joan Dunsmuir, Alexander Dunsmuir and Joan Olive Dunsmuir.
 

Date

circa 1890

Dimensions

107.5 x 45.5 x 75.5 cm

Material

Wood, mahogany; Brass

Technique

Flat sawn; Turned; Machined; Varnished

Country of Origin

England