Heal & Son Ltd Oak Refectory Table

A Superb Antique Oak Refectory Table By Heal & Son Ltd. Made from English Oak, this table has a hand carved skirt, set on turned bolster legs, twin end supports joined by two stretcher, the makers mark inset tablet has “Heal & Son Ltd. London. C1910

Heals of London was established in 1810 by bedding manufacturer John Harris Heal, in Tottenham Court Road. Heals antique furniture is more well known in the antiques trade because of his Grandson, Ambrose Heal for his superb Arts & Crafts designs and innovation. 

In 1833 John Harris Heal passed away and in 1840, John Harris Heal Junior took over the firm. He started to move from its original focus on beds to include a whole range of bedroom furniture, from linen presses to chest of drawers. These pieces would be constructed mainly in the finest quality Mahogany timbers in simple designs and will usually have rounded corners.

In 1893 Ambrose Heal joined the firm and this is when the company started to flourish. He introduced new, more modern Arts & Crafts designs and then kept up with the trends such as Art Deco. His first catalogue was published in 1898 which was the start of the well know Heal style of furniture. He ran the firm very successfully over the next 60 years, when he finally retired in 1953.

This table would make a great addition to any home, or as a shop display piece, remains in original condition.