£12,800 for Dorset table

An Arts and Crafts centre table sprung a surprise for a Dorset vendor at Lawrences of Crewkerne , in their January Fine Art Sale.

Entered by a client in Bridport, the oak table was designed by Phillip Webb for Morris & Co. The firm established by William Morris, produced items of superb quality by the best craftsman of the day. Probably best known for the textiles and wallpapers they produced, they also produced well-designed furniture.
 
Originally entered at an estimate of £500-800, the bidding soared past the estimate and was secured by a trade buyer at £12,800.
 
Lawrences Auctioneer Simon Jones said, "Very few items of Morris furniture come up for sale, and they are always keenly contested by private and trade buyers. Arts and Crafts furniture continues to attract strong prices, primarily because of the quality and eye catching designs of this period"