Antique Wooden Towel Rack, France, 1900

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Description

A freestanding towel rack of French origin (porte-serviettes), stylistically belonging to the Historicist period and probably dating from around 1900. … Read more A freestanding towel rack of French origin (porte-serviettes), stylistically belonging to the Historicist period and probably dating from around 1900. The continuously turned uprights, the two straight crossbars, and the curved base plates create a clearly structured, calmly proportioned construction, whose effect derives solely from the turned woodwork. Historical context: Freestanding towel racks were a standard feature of bedrooms and dressing rooms in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Before the widespread use of permanently installed bathrooms, daily personal hygiene took place at the washstand, which, in addition to the washbasin, pitcher, and wash chest, also included a separate rack for towels. This furniture group was thus designed for mobility: easily moved, without permanent installation, and adaptable to changing room uses. Turned versions of this type were mass-produced in France in smaller workshops and furniture manufactories that used the lathe as an efficient method for producing articulated, decorative components with minimal material. with the advent of running water and separate bathrooms, this type of furniture largely lost its original function in the living space. Characteristics: The ends of the upper crossbar are capped with small, light-colored pieces, presumably porcelain or bone. The lower crossbar is a separate, multi-profiled turned bar, clearly distinguishing it from the smooth, functional towel rails. Design: The design follows a historicist revival of 17th-century forms, particularly the juxtaposition of spheres and rings characteristic of the Louis XIII style. The two uprights are mirror images of each other, alternating between calm cylindrical sections, ring profiles, and closely spaced spherical segments. Ornamentation in the strict sense is absent; the articulation arises solely from the changes in profile during the turning process. The curved base plates echo the curves of the turned wood and give the narrow structure a broad, stable base. The height-to-width ratio remains elongated, the construction open and light. Function: Formerly part of a washstand set in the bedroom or dressing room, for holding towels. Today: usable as a towel rack in the bathroom or as a freestanding stand for throws, blankets, and textiles in the living room. Dimensions: Height 80 cm × Width 58 cm × Depth 21 cm. Material and condition: Solid fruitwood, turned and waxed or polished, with a warm, darkened surface. The stand and crossbars exhibit varying color depths due to light exposure and use. Well-preserved, age-appropriate condition with visible patina, occasional scratches, dents, and small dark spots in the wood. The frame is stable and structurally sound. Signs of age and use are part of its historical character.
Up to 250V (Europe/UK Standard).The wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less