The Origin of the Species
So where did the Nicholas Dattner table come from?
I'm sure you have heard of a refectory table. It's the kind that monks sat at, guzzling wine and throwing bones over their shoulders.
It gets its name from the refectory, which was the dining hall of an institution such as a monastery, university or poorhouse. Typically, the tables in these places were very heavy and long, seating twenty people and more.
After four hundred years, a table has a certain lived-in look and survivors fetch spectacular prices. I have often wondered whether they are really worth the small fortunes some people are willing to spend. I have been to auctions and seen bidders paying huge sums for a table that on close inspection, is patently fake. Even if the table is genuine it has usually been repaired so many times that little of the original remains. Like grandpa's axe, six new handles and four new heads.
"... Your table has already brought us great pleasure, and while our children are absolutely guaranteed to bang it with spoons and trikes and spike it with compass points when they do their homework, it is guaranteed to grow to be a much loved family treasure ..."
- Tim Winkler
Our extensive range of solid timber furniture and soft furnishings includes Dining Tables, Chairs, Lounge Suites, Cabinets, Mirrors, Bookcases, Sofas and Chairs. It's all on display right now in our furniture section.
Nicholas Dattner & Co are proud sponsors of Landcare Australia.