Object Literature
Following the austere years of Puritan rule, the return of the Charles II from exile in Europe heralded a period of great luxury. On his return the King set about creating a court as dazzling as those of his Continental counterparts and as such the country was opened to Dutch and French influence with many highly-skilled furniture makers settling in England. Furniture remained heavy but with more carving and fine detail became fashionable, notably in the sculpture of Grinling Gibbons. Locally-grown oak was the basic wood for country pieces and carcasses but, by the end of the century, case furniture was often veneered with English walnut or walnut imported from France or Virginia.
The texture and colour here is just stupendous, a real attic treat of considerable age.