Sewing table

[1] The sewing table originated in England around 1770 and was adopted in post-Revolutionary War America.

It was designed to provide a surface and storage for a gentlewoman’s needlework or other leisure actives, including basket-weaving, crochet, macramé and painting as it was customary for women to gather and take up work around the table.

The majority of tables created in the U.S. during this time were of Sheraton or Empire style and constructed of mahogany.

The plant was designed initially for sewing table distribution in the Western United States.

The new plant handled all Singer operations with tables being shipped to the Eastern U.S. as well as Europe, South America, and Asia.

Work table, about 1840, Mahogany, modern velvet, modern wool, Great Britain, V&A Museum no. CIRC.626-1969