A WEST COUNTRY ASH FARMHOUSE TABLE AND BENCH

Ash seems to have been the wood of choice for farmhouse tables in the West Country and this table, which was found in Devon, is a wonderful example. At ten feet long it would have accomodated all the family and servants and it has the advantage of having its original ash bench.

The massive top is loose and would have been reversed for food preparation and laundry - see an interesting article by Gabriel Olive in the Regional Furniture Journal 1999 entitled "English West Country Tables and Forms" in which he describes the use of such pieces. This table has wonderful colour and figuring to the wood and is priced at £9750 for the table and bench.