Tilt-Top Tripod Table

Tilt-Top Tripod Table

Artist/Maker: Unknown

Created: Unknown

Origin/Purchase: Philadelphia or New York City

Materials: mahogany

Dimensions: H: 73.7 × D of top: 44.5 (29 × 17 1/2 in.)

Location: Dining Room

Provenance: Thomas Jefferson; by descent to Virginia and Nicholas Trist; by descent to Martha Jefferson Trist Burke; by gift to Fanny E. Cole in 1882; by descent to Mrs. M.T. Barrier; by purchase to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation in 1938

Accession Number: 1938-25

Historical Notes: The table at right is one of several tilt-top tables with a family history connecting it with the Monticello joinery. Although its construction suggests that it was made in New York or Philadelphia, a descendant wrote:

This little Mahogany Table was made at Monticello — by Thomas Jefferson's cabinetmakers — "Daddy" Hemmings a slave of T. Jefferson who had his capable servants taught — so that if they ever were forced by circumstances to leave the family — to be able to support themselves — ... The table a Candle-Stand and so arranged as to be either a light source or fire screen ....^[1]

- Text from Stein, Worlds, 258