Water Kettle, 1742
Thomas Farren
(English, entered Guild 1739)
London, England
Silver with replaced caned handle
Lent by a private collection
Click for detail of Water Kettle
Tea Table, 1750–60
Boston, Massachusetts
Mahogany
Lent by a private collection.
Not all tea tables were round though, Americans could also buy delicate rectangular versions such as this example made in Boston in the 1740's. Like circular tea tables, the rectangular variety often had molded rims around the edges that helped prevent expensive china from falling to the floor.
Tea Table, 1720–30
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mahogany
Lent by a private collection
This is the earliest known surviving circular tea table made in America. Around 1720, English funiture-makers began immigrating in increasing numbers to American cities including Philadelphia, where this table was made.