Drawing for a table with marble top

Attributed to Thomas Chippendale junior. This is one of seven drawings from an album assembled by the Toronto businessman, Alexander Manning (1819-1903). He emigrated from Ireland and arrived in Toronto in 1834. A carpenter by training, Manning became one of the most successful builders and property developers in Toronto and was also active in local politics, serving twice as mayor in 1873 and 1885. In later life he became a philanthropist and patron of the arts, but the drawings presumably relate to his professional interests as a builder. It is not known how Manning acquired the drawings, and their provenance prior to his ownership is unknown.The table has some similarities with two tables now at Harewood House (illus. Gilbert, 1978, figs 473 & 497). One has a similar frieze of paterae alternating with flutes and the other has turned and tapered legs headed by Chippendale junior's characteristic flared tops.

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