The Console

The first step in the table’s manufacture was to invert and locate the wrought iron support structure in position on the underside of the board. The design ensured that the massive piece of wood could expand and contract without splitting under the climatic conditions prevailing in any country in the world, therefore lateral slots were constructed in each side of the frame to accept the bolts that would ultimately attach the frame to the wood.

When the locating holes for the bolts were drilled the support structure was removed and a flat bed for it was chiselled out of the wood, as shown below. A coat of abrasion-resistant varnish was applied to the wood, which was sanded, signed and dated before the surface was given five more coats of abrasion-resistant varnish. The top was then finished similarly.