Octagonal Library Table c. 1840

Richard Hicks Bridgens crafted this octagonal library table, but the exact date remains unknown. The table reflects the opulence and intellectual pursuits of the elite class in nineteenth-century Britain, where Bridgens worked. The form, function, and intricate detailing speak to the social and cultural values of the time. Library tables such as this were centerpieces in homes, embodying the idea of the private library as a status symbol and a space for learning and leisure. The Regency era was known for its flamboyant classicism. The aesthetic preferences of the British upper classes created demand for such specialized furniture, and this market encouraged artisans to create more and more elaborate variations on established forms. Auction catalogs, estate inventories, and pattern books from the period all shed light on the significance of furniture in constructing and displaying social identity. By considering these resources, we can better understand how this table was produced and perceived in its own time.