Antique Georgian Lancashire Oak Dresser and Plate Rack, 1780

Details

Description

An outstanding quality antique Georgian Lancashire oak dresser and rack dating to the George III period, circa 1780. This is … Read more An outstanding quality antique Georgian Lancashire oak dresser and rack dating to the George III period, circa 1780. This is a particularly handsome and substantial example, beautifully made in solid oak and retaining a fantastic rich, warm colour and patination developed over more than two centuries.
The impressive dresser base is arranged around a central panelled cupboard door with a drawer above, flanked on either side by generous banks of drawers. The drawers retain their original brass swan-neck handles, a particularly desirable feature, and the fronts display the wonderful variation, figuring and depth of colour associated with well-aged English oak. Fluted uprights divide the sections and give the otherwise substantial piece a much more architectural and refined appearance.
Above is the original-style open dresser rack, beautifully proportioned to the base, with a deep moulded cornice, shaped scalloped frieze and open display shelves to either side. The centre is particularly unusual, incorporating a tall locking cupboard with a fielded panelled door. Inside are fitted shelves together with a small lower drawer, while the interior retains a wonderfully decorative old diamond and fleur-de-lis patterned lining which adds enormous character and gives a fascinating glimpse of the dresser's long history.
The quality can also be seen in the construction. The drawers are deep and solidly made, the sides of the base are panelled, and the substantial mouldings, fluted uprights and shaped bracket feet all give the piece a much more sophisticated appearance than many simpler provincial dressers.
Lancashire and North Cheshire produced some of the most distinctive regional English dressers of the 18th century, and the central cupboard flanked by extensive drawer storage is particularly associated with furniture from this area. This combination of practicality, architectural proportion and strong cabinetmaking is very characteristic of the finest examples.
This is a really exceptional piece of Georgian country furniture. Its scale, remarkable amount of storage, original brass handles, beautiful colour and highly decorative rack make it far more than a traditional kitchen dresser. At 187.5cm wide it has considerable presence and would look superb in a large kitchen, dining room, entrance hall or country house interior, while the open rack offers wonderful scope for displaying ceramics, silver, glass or collections.
Condition Report
In very good antique condition with wear, marks and variations in colour consistent with its age and use. The oak has developed a superb rich patina. The original brass handles remain in place. The old patterned lining to the central upper cupboard shows age and wear, which forms part of its character.
Measurements
Height:202.5cm(79.72in)
Width:187.5cm(73.82in)
Depth:60cm(23.62in)
Date of manufacture: Circa 1780
Origin: Lancashire, England See less