Sea-Dog Table Hardwick Hall

Sea-Dog Table, Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire

The Sea-Dog Table, like the Aeglentyne or Eglantine Table (see previous image), is a piece of furniture of historical significance at Hardwick Hall. It dates from around 1570 and was made in Paris for Bess of Hardwick and George Talbot, (6th Earl of Shrewsbury).

The table was originally displayed at the couple's other stately home, Chatsworth House, until Bess and Talbot's marriage broke down, and Bess moved the piece to Hardwick Hall.

Made from walnut, tulipwood, fruitwood with marble inlay, the legs of the table are four sea-dogs, mythical beasts with a dog's head, wings and dolphin tails. It dismantles into 17 pieces and could thus be easily placed in any of the vast manor house's rooms.

The sea dogs are also a reference to the English privateers and adventurers of the age - Francis Drake, John Hawkins and Walter Raleigh.