A dining table made by a man from Carmarthen 200 years ago is set to be sold for £15,000. It may not look that different to your usual dining table at first glance but this one has a fascinating story behind it which helps explain its whopping value.
The table was commissioned by John Lloyd in the 1820s for his country home near Brecon having been made by notable and renowned Carmarthen cabinet maker David Morley. It remained at the property for almost 200 years and was eventually purchased by the previous owners of Bodfach Hall in Montgomeryshire in 2008, which formed part of an estate once owned by Madoc ap Meredydd, the Prince of Powys. The dining table is one of the items left over following the sale of the country house.
The table itself is around 18ft long and is unusual in that it has a telescopic action which means it can extend and reduce in size. It is due to be sold at auctioneers Halls of Shrewsbury on May 4, together with the maker’s plaque, and is expected to fetch around £15,000.
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Its maker, David Morley, was one of the pre-eminent cabinet makers of his era. From Carmarthen, he moved to Manchester as a teenager in the late 18th century before returning to his hometown as a young man and establishing himself in Lammas Street in the town centre where he lived and had a workshop and workhouse – you can keep up to date with the latest Carmarthenshire news by signing up to the local newsletter here.
He was listed in The Universal, the first trade directory for the area, and most of the subsequent editions until his death in 1831. He became a prominent local figure, serving as a burgess and a churchwarden, and was commissioned by many successful businessmen and members of the gentry including John Vaughan of Golden Grove, Thomas Mansel of Stradey, and the original owner of the dining table John Lloyd.
“This is a unique opportunity to acquire something associated with this longstanding landmark,” said Gerry Berwyn-Jones, director at Halls Estate Agents and Auctioneers. "The rarity of the table is matched by the rarity of its complete provenance, which celebrates the rich history of Wales and the accomplished talents of one of its historic artisans.”
