Richard Hornby designed for the small quality maker of Fyne Ladye Furniture of Banbury in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It is made from solid afrormosia wood and has an additional leaf, stored away underneath its top, which can be added to extend its length. It has attractive design features such as the curves to its top – convex along the longer edges and concave along the ends. The table has those gorgeous tapering legs, so popular during the mid century.
Virtually all the pieces by Fyne Ladye are in solid afromosia, and only occasionally do you see their pieces in teak. Afromosia is a darker type of wood that is sometimes given other names like African teak. The use of solid woods like this are rarely seen by British makers after around 1962 due to the costs involved in sourcing the right timber.
Many pieces by Fyne Ladye Furniture are unlabelled as they were often sold through up-market small retailers who didn’t like makers own labels to be found on furniture.
The table is in lovely unrestored vintage condition as it is. As with many British tables, even those by premium makers such as Fyne Ladye, unfortunately it was designed to take no more than 6 chairs, and as was so often the case at the time the original owners only bought 4 chairs. This would have been a major purchase c 1960 so young buyers would often only buy 4 dining chairs, whereas today people usually buy at least 6 and often 8. This table comfortably would seat 6.
The 1960s was an era when the furniture manufacturing and retailing industry was changing fast and we think that Fyne Ladye Furniture must have either closed or been taken over in the early 1960s. The use of solid timber and good quality craftsmanship allied to the simple clean lines of the pieces designed by Richard Hornby mean that pieces such as their lovely sideboards have become very sought after today.
All items of this age will show some signs of use commensurate with their age. This item is in very nice unrestored condition. Please review the photos – happy to answer any questions.
Measurements:
W130cm (Extended W185cm) x H73.5cm x D87cm
Free delivery within Cardiff. Collection from CF24 5FF.
Nationwide courier available
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