Featured Thomas Brooks does Gargoyles, and You're Invited!

Famed furniture maker Thomas Brooks really outdid himself with this one. Previously unknown, this walnut parlor table (26" x 36" U.S.) was made ca. 1870 in Brooklyn, New York, at that time a separate city. I speculate that it is one of a kind.

I've never known Brooks to do gargoyles before, but he did it with a vengeance this time. There is one on each "knee" of the piece, and the whole thing is 20+30 pounds of first growth walnut with a total weight (with marble) of about 125 pounds. The carving is a cross between machine and hand work, with plenty of both. There is simply no way to describe the woodworking ability of this (these) craftsman, except to overdo the superlatives. Not only are the nails beautifully articulated, but even the lizard-like skin of the paw is illustrated as well. I've never seen anything like it!

Victorian lovers, the few of us that there still are, this is what it's all about! Can you imagine flatpack with this level of execution? Impossible! And what's sad, most people today would probably buy Ikea before this, even at the same price.

Well, it's a gladsome day here at Chez Ghopper, and the last photo tells the tale. Happy happy.......joy joy!!

 

What an amazing find, and it looks to be in perfect condition! Congratulations!

 

Museum quality as always Ghop-real beauty !
PS-That student lamp's such a killer.

 

Thanks @lovewrens . Unfortunately, one of the feet has repairs, although you can’t see it in the photos. Hoping that doesn’t lower the value much.

 

Beautiful!! And I love how you've styled it with the other pieces.

 

That would be happy in my house if I could a) afford it; and, b) had space!!! Gorgeous

 

That thing is so far over the top it's darned near in orbit. Sweet! I think it found a good home.

 

Just imagine the homes that's sat in.

Debora

 

An 'Ambassador' from the Gilded Age-the tales it could tell.Think of the Art that sat in that room !

 

enjoy , your new toy !!!

 

A quality piece, as always. Beautiful detail on the lions' feet.

 

Isn't it wonderful that there is a style for everyone to love, admire and collect? Me, I'm much too much of a magpie to have a "serious" collection. I'm the sort of person that "stuff" sticks to. I don't think you can get more Victorian than that table. Lovely!

 

@Any Jewelry is right, these are abstracted lions, not gargoyles. Too late to change the verbiage, but there you go. Thanks @Any Jewelry!.

 

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing, @Ghopper1924 !