Object Description
An extremely fine quality George III Sheraton period mahogany and satinwood inlaid linen press / mahogany clothes press of outstanding figuring and colour circa 1790.
The cornice having a central oval inlaid tablet with a satinwood fan inlaid lunette shaped (half-moon) pediment whilst retaining the original three urn finials, one central larger mahogany turned urn finial being flanking by two smaller urn finials. Below which is with a moulded and arched tear drop “Gothic” design cornice inlaid and strung with satinwood to the top and bottom.
The decoratively inlaid pair of doors having mahogany oval panels and satinwood banding whilst the finely figured mahogany veneer with a uniform stripe being quarter veneered and crossbanded. The doors open to reveal a fitted interior of four original oak sliding trays. The lower section being fitted with two short and two longer drawers being mahogany book-matched veneered, satinwood banded and crossbanded whilst retaining their original period hexagon brass plate handles and escutcheons with the whole being raised on splay bracket feet.
This is a exceptionally good quality linen press of an excellent Sheraton design.
This linen press has numerous features that correspond with Thomas Shearer’s engraved design dated 1788 of “A winged clothes press” published in “The Cabinet Makers London Book of Prices” 2nd Edition 1793 Plate 3.
This is also illustrated in “Sheraton Furniture” by Ralph Fastnedge on page 195 plate 67. In the same book a very similar clothes press is illustrated on page 213, plate 85 which bears the label “Mant, Upholder & Cabinet Maker, High Street, Winchester. Although this linen press is not stamped or having a makers label it was obviously commission made for an important household by a extremely good quality cabinet maker of its time, most probably a London maker.
This linen press is offered in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods with a fine patination and colour.
Please note the exceptional choice of mahogany veneer used and the manner in which it has been laid, unusual handle formation having two handles to each of the smaller drawers and the most superb colour.
This mahogany press is of the highest quality and a pleasure to own which will make a fine addition to any period collection.
Provenance : The previous owner had this linen press in their collection which has been passed down many generations hence the reason it is in such good condition. The family was an extremely important family consisting of various Lords and Ladies whom had very close ties with the royal family and Sir Winston Churchill. The last descent of the family to own the linen press was titled a ‘Lady’ and the lady in waiting to Princess Margret for many years. The large family estate was in Buckinghamshire.
Dimensions
Width 54 inches – 137cm
Height 94 1/2 inches – 240cm
Depth 24 1/2 inches – 62cm
Height without central finial 89 inches – 226cm