The Robert Jupe Table (extends from 5′ to 7′)

Model: TA-RJ

Robert Jupe’s 1835 patent for extending a round table is hard to beat for sheer ingenuity.

Paul Kenny, the founder of Classic Chairs, has been fortunate enough to own two of these tables.

As a consequence, it has been possible to reproduce the mechanism and proportions exactly. In addition, to also produce alternative shapes and sizes of tables.

The top is made up in 8 segments, mounted underneath on a brass radiating cartwheel.  Hidden in the pedestal is a rotating barrel. When the top is spun, the segments open up, allowing extra leaves to be inserted.

This means that the table, which is comfortable seating for seven or eight people, can be extended to allow for 10 people.

Dimensions (mm): Dia. 1520 Extends to 2100,   h 740

Seats 8 to 10 people comfortably.

An associated leaf storage chiffonier is available, model CB RJLC, and a second matching sideboard model CB RJC

stock: to order

Historical note: The form of this extraordinary table was invented by Theodore Alexander Robert Jupe, of 47 Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square, London.

The first tables of this type were produced by Jupe in association with the cabinet-maker John Johnstone of New Bond Street. After 1842 the firm changed its name due to a new partnership and became Johnstone & Jeanes.

The firm went on to achieve international fame, exhibiting the table at the Great Exhibition of 1851. It was acquired by Sir Hew Hamilton-Dalrymple of North Berwick, 6th Baronet (1814-1887), for the Dining Room at Leuchie House, North Berwick, East Lothian.

Several examples, as well as a detail of the mechanism, illustrate the remarkable consistency of their workshop and are reproduced in C. Gilbert, “Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840“, Leeds, 1996, pp. 283-285.