Table was the technical jewel of the 18th century

Again, one beautiful piece in our workshop is waiting for our care. But first of all something about its creator. David Roentgen (1743-1807) was born in Herrnhaagen, GermanyH|is father Abraham Roentgen, who had trained in London in the workshop of William Gomm, migrated to the Moravian settlement at Neuwied, near Coblenz, where he established a furniture factory. David learned his trade in his father's workshop, inherited the paternal business. Progressive designs and technically sophisticated elements in his furniture bring him great success and become one of the most famous furnituremakers of the 18th century. Famous throughout Europe for his technical solutions, secret drawers, all in a subtle neo-classical style. By that time, the name of the firm was well known, even in France. Since Paris was the style center of Europe, he opened a show-room, but his furniture was made in Neuwied. Roentgen becomes an important buissnisman.

Marie-Antoinette named him her artistic sculptor and he appears to have curried considerable favor with the queen, Marie Antoinette. His glory and progressive influence in the furniture industry changes the view of the then living. Goethe mentions him in his work Wilhelm Meister. Roentgen did not confine his attentions to Paris, or even to France. He traveled about Europe accompanied by furniture vans of his factory's products. Undoubtedly his aptitude as a commercial traveler was remarkable. He had shops in Berlin and Saint Petersburg. To the protection of the queen of France and the empress of Russia, David added the king in Prussia, Frederick William II, who in 1792 made him a Commerzienrat, commercial agent for the Lower Rhine district. The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars eclipsed Roentgen's star as many other great cabinetmakers of the period. In 1793 the Revolutionary government, declaring him an émigré, seized the contents of his showrooms, inventory and personal belongings. After that, he did no further business in Paris. Five years later, the French invasion of Germany, Prussia and Austria led to the closing of his factory in Neuwied.

Now you can see or buy after renovations one of our products in our workshop. An amazing neoclassical ladies' table, which has a several drawers, a folding desk with a roller shutter and a secret box. And you can lock it all with one key. The surprise is that you control the roller shutter by pulling out the lock socket. But simply the technical progress of the 18th century.

With the motto "It's an Art to Know"

David Fiala