Design for Adjustable Side Serving Table

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

Step into the early 1900s with the *Design for Adjustable Side Serving* by A.N. Davenport Co crafted between 1900 and 1905. This innovative furniture blueprint, now housed in the Smithsonian American Museum's collection (gift of The Lake St. Louis Historical), showcases the era's blend of functionality and elegance in American home design. As households grew more sophisticated at the turn of the century adjustable features like those hinted here allowed tables to adapt for serving meals, displaying fine china, or everyday use—reflecting a practical response to bustling family life. A.N. Davenport Co., a prominent furniture maker of the time, specialized in high-quality pieces that bridged Victorian opulence and emerging modern simplicity. Classified as furniture within the Smithsonian's holdings, this design likely represents a working drawing or prototype, emphasizing the craftsmanship of woodworkers and designers in an age of industrial innovation. Though research continues, it offers a window into Progressive Era domesticity, where form met utility in everyday objects. Today, this artifact reminds us how furniture evolved from static heirlooms to versatile tools, enhancing the social rituals of dining and hospitality. A true gem for design enthusiasts! (198 words)