The Getty “Kelmscott” Table by Philip Webb for Morris and Co.

Description

A library table of large scale and robust design in solid walnut having a thick reeded-edge top over four substantial ring turned splayed legs joined by chamfered stretchers, the legs ending in recessed brass casters.  The table is virtually identical to the first one designed by Webb for William Morris’s home, Kelmscott House in Hammersmith.  Other tables of this type were sold though Morris and Co after 1875 and a very similar one, with a central rather than two side stretchers, is still in Morris’s Cotwold home, Kelmscott Manor.
Arts and Crafts designer and architect, Philip Speakman Webb was one of the great collaborative and versatile artists of the movement. Webb met William Morris in 1856, and joined the firm of Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. (later Morris & Co.) in 1861. Webb’s first commission was Morris’ famed home, Red House, in 1859. The model for the ‘Kelmscott’ table was originally designed by Webb in 1875 for Morris’ study in Kelmscott House, Hammersmith. There is a watercolor by Mary A. Sloane (‘May Morris in Tapestry Room at Kelmscott Manor’, 1910-15), which depicts William Morris’ daughter May seated editing the twenty-four volumes of Collected Works by William Morris at a similar table. This picture is held by the William Morris Gallery, Waltham Forest, London.
Ex collection:  Ann and Gordon Getty
Acquired from Haslam & Whiteway, Ltd., London.