Skittles, devil amonst the tailors-00772 by A Kent & Cleal game

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I've featured a few Devil Amongst The Tailors tables on here already, though to be honest they've all been fairly insubstantial affairs, more toy than game. The four candles (Tailors) were all fused together and as they were the same, burnt down at the same rate, with the centre on igniting the mine (Devil). Built in 1504 by Prior Thomas Docwra, St John’s Gate was the south gateway to the Priory of Clerkenwell, the headquarters of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. It is likely that the game emerged between 1675 and 1783 and surged in popularity during the 1920s and 1930s before waning again. In the even rarer situation where both players have 1 life left and the next turn is worth 2 lives, both lives must be played out before adjusting the score.

Surrounding the game top, turned baluster columns support a stringer-inlaid barrier that encircles the play area. The precise area isn't known but it seemed to be centred around Grantham in Lincolnshire with outreaches as far as Nottingham and Guyhirn, North Cambridgeshire. To give the table a practical working space, we designed a hidden compartment underneath the table top, part of which lifts to reveal a private work surface with a task light and skittle-shaped office organisers for storing stationery. The game's base, a simple yet elegant mahogany frame, stands on legs that are both turned and tapered, culminating in ball-turned feet. Great photos- the first one is certainly British made, but I think the other one may be one of Standard's early Chinese imports.It's also located in a very good pub, the Jolly Brewer in Stamford, which is also home to a team in the local Pushpenny League as well as the usual Pool, Darts, Cards and Dominoes.

It seemed that this item was very popular among each of the different British firework manufacturers. The red painted swivel appears to have been purpose made for the job, and I'd say this was a manufactured table rather than home made. They regularly collaborate with local community groups, design professionals and place people at the heart of everything they do.

Keep in mind that anyone can view public collections - they may also appear in recommendations and other places. Handmade is a testimony to great design, talent and ideas, and the determination to achieve the extraordinary.