We love finding unusual and overlooked pieces which are are full of history, and made by expert English makers. John Carter was a renowned Victorian inventor and furniture maker, famous for his Invalid furniture and "Literary Machines".
This is an advert from the 1880's showing the range of Carter's products including the Literary Machine and Invalid Furniture.
Carter moved to Cavendish Street, London in around 1872. Before that he is recorded at 55 Mortimer Street. Later moving to Wigmore Street.
Carter was one of a number of manufacturers in the Victorian era that advertised products for greater comfort. They include Alderman, Ward, Leverson and Robinson.
Carter's invalid furniture included these reading tables that were designed to be used over beds. They are beautifully made, this one from mahogany. Only the finest woods were used, hand turned and brass mounts.
They were marketed at injured soldiers to aid recovery. This example dates from the 1880's
The table is labelled with a Carters Label, with New Cavendish Street address and advertising Invalid and Surgical Equipment.
Below is an advertising image from 1888 showing the Literary Machine in action alond with a reclining couch.
Left is another example of a reading table with ornate cast iron base. The book rest makes it ideal as a picture easel.
With the mechanism stamped Carter's, London and ivorine makers label for Carter's to the underside.
Carter's inventions have really stood the test of time. They can be used today as console or reading lecterns. They can be used with laptops as sofa tables and are space saving and folding away when not in use.
Wonderful period pieces, perfect to incoporate into modern homes to add soul and character to a space.
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