A Cabinet in the Louis XVI MannerBy James Shoolbred & Co of London

Object Description

Of gentle breakfront form, constructed in goncalo alves, dressed with gilt metal mounts and hand decorated polychrome panels; rising from swept cabriole legs shod with gilt metal animal hoof toes; enclosing a shelved interior, above a carved apron with foliates around a central rosace the lockable central cupboard has a panel depicting musical attributes suspended from an arched garland capped by flambeaux, and is flanked by panels decorated with arabesque garlands, quivers and addorsed swans – all panels enclosed within stiff leaf cast gilt metal frames; a single shelf to the interior; the side panels dressed with trellis work, and turtle doves enclosed within a chain of marguerites; carved rams heads to the angles, and the frieze housing a scroll and foliate carved drawer having an elliptical ring handle; the Carrara mable platform having everted angles, and enclosed within a giltwork frame. Stamped with the maker’s name ‘Jas Shoolbred & Co 8344’.London, Circa 1880

Object Literature

James Shoolbred & Co started life in Tottenham Court Road as a linen drapery business in the 1820s, but expanded rapidly to embrace all aspects of home furnishings. In about 1870 the company branched out into the furniture trade as cabinet manufactures, and by 1879 they had added to and enlarged their premises to include specialist centres for upholstery and bedding, sun blinds, carpets, carpentry, decorating and ironmongery. By 1900, as well as being one of the largest and most successful retailers of furniture and furnishings, they had launched into groceries, provisions and drink, china and glass.

They exhibited at the 1878 Paris Universal Exhibition, and by mid-1880s Shoolbred & Co received a Royal Warrant for the supply of furniture to Queen Victoria and supplied high-quality pieces to wealthy and important clients throughout the Empire, and to other grand houses in Scotland such as the home of Sir George Bullough, Kinloch Castle on the Isle of Rhum.

Object Condition

Excellent condition

Object Details