Tabarette c. 1942

This is a Tabarette, made by Ralph Morton sometime between 1855 and 1995, material unknown. The Tabarette's power lies in its elegant simplicity. We can see a mastery of woodworking techniques, executed with a clear understanding of the material's inherent qualities. Morton clearly understood the nature of wood – its grain, its capacity for bearing weight, its potential for refinement through careful carving and joinery. Consider the work involved in creating this piece. Each leg would have been shaped with precision, the top carefully planed and smoothed. The joinery, though simple in appearance, requires skill to ensure stability and longevity. The overall form reflects an appreciation for functional design, where every element serves a purpose. It is easy to see the tabarette as a product of the Arts and Crafts movement, a reaction to industrialization that valued handcraftsmanship and honest materials. Appreciating the labor and skill involved in the making of this object allows us to see it not just as a piece of furniture, but as a testament to the enduring value of human creativity and craft.