Its previous location was the Library, where it was first photographed in 1949. Its removal to store was necessitated by a project in 2013 which saw the Library re-populated with historic prop furniture, in order to facilitate greater access and a provide a more immersive experience for visitors to the house.
The top and base of the table are inlaid with parquetry and marquetry. The frieze under the outside edge of the top is unusual in that it has alternate lappets and turned pendant finials, giving a highly decorative effect. The base comprises an octagonal column spreading out to a moulding, over four down swept legs with leaf capped carved scroll feet, the four concave sides each with a carved ‘green man’ mask. The top and base appear to have always been together.
Investigation led to the discovery of another centre table with marquetry inlay and an almost identical base. This table was for sale in 2016 with a prominent London antique furniture dealership who attributed it to Robert Strahan, an Irish cabinet maker in Dublin. The basis for this attribution was not immediately obvious, but the firm’s researcher had identified another table with very similar inlay, which appeared to be by the same maker. This third table was part of a suite of furniture made by Robert Strahan as a commission for Doneraile Court, County Cork. Each piece was stamped by Strahan, as was common for pieces by that firm. This extraordinary suite left Doneraile some years ago and has recently come to the market. It is now titled the ‘Strahan Suite’ and was originally shown at the London International Exhibition in 1962.
In conclusion, an attribution to Robert Strahan of Dublin seems justified for the Audley End table, based on the similarities of design elements to the three tables. Conclusive evidence is usually only proved by original documentation, perhaps comprising design drawings, receipts, letters etc. or by signed pieces (where the stamps are deemed to be original).