Rediscovering a forgotten top

Hidden in a loft for decades, this little birch table top had long been separated from its legs. Time had not been kind—it was stained, faded, and forgotten. The brief was to reunite it with a new folding frame, designed to echo the charm and style of its Victorian origins. These elegant, portable tables were once used as convenient occasional pieces, easily folded and stored. Although their name suggests use on horse-drawn coaches, that story is more romantic myth than fact.

Designing the new frame

With only the top and faint traces of old fixings left, the challenge began with research and imagination. After studying period examples and experimenting with plywood models, we worked out the perfect pivot point for the legs. This step was crucial to ensure both stability and authentic movement. Once satisfied with the design, the templates were carefully transferred to European oak, chosen for its strength and fine grain.

Crafting and finishing

The new frame components were shaped, assembled, and joined with 6 mm machine screws and lock nuts to create a solid yet smoothly folding mechanism. After final adjustments, the frame was coloured and finished to blend seamlessly with the aged birch top. Several coats of lacquer sealed and unified the piece, restoring it as a graceful, functional table once again—ready for a new chapter after so many years in hiding.

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