Large William IV Figured Mahogany Chest of Drawers, c1830s

Details

Description

An impressive and unusually large 19th-century mahogany chest of drawers, beautifully proportioned and retaining a rich, warm colour and characterful … Read more An impressive and unusually large 19th-century mahogany chest of drawers, beautifully proportioned and retaining a rich, warm colour and characterful surface developed through generations of use.

At 136 cm high and 135 cm wide, this is a particularly substantial example, with a commanding architectural presence. The chest is framed by turned columns to either side and raised on substantial turned feet, while the drawer fronts display attractive figuring and a deep, mellow mahogany tone.

The drawers retain their turned wooden knobs, each detailed with a small mother-of-pearl decorative inset, adding a subtle and particularly attractive detail to the otherwise restrained design.

One of the most interesting features is the concealed upper drawer, designed to appear as part of the chest's architectural frieze. Rather than having a visible handle, the drawer is opened using a fabric wadding pull attached to its underside, which is accessed from inside the drawer immediately below. This discreet arrangement preserves the clean appearance of the upper section and is a wonderful piece of period cabinetmaking.

The chest retains a wonderfully characterful surface, with variations in colour, marks, scratches, small losses and evidence of historic use throughout. One of the drawer knobs has undergone an old restoration, clearly visible in the photographs. Rather than detracting from the piece, these details form part of its history and contribute to the authentic appearance expected of furniture of this age.

The substantial proportions make this an exceptional storage piece while also giving it enough presence to work as a statement piece within a bedroom, dressing room, hallway or large living space. Its rich antique mahogany works particularly well against quieter contemporary interiors, natural stone, linen and warm neutral finishes. See less