Object Description
A mid 18th century Welsh oak cwpwrdd tridarn (three part cupboard) of superb patina (colour), probably from the Snowdonia region.
The tridarn consists of an open section to the top with turned columns at either end, the sides having desirable wavy slats above a fielded panel.
The back of this top section having three fielded panels with a display shelf, not original, although has been part of the piece for a considerable number of years.
This leads down to the middle section with unusual fine quality moulded frieze to the top with ebony embellishments with turned drop finials at each end.
This section consists of three doors with arched fielded panels, the two outer doors having an inlaid design of oak & bog oak of Celtic influence (resembling the Celtic cross) with brass knobs & escutcheons, also having an unusual split bobbin-turned decoration in between these doors.
The central door is carved with ‘IR 22 1761’ with a brass escutcheon with key so this can be locked. The initials on this door were probably to celebrate either a marriage or maybe a new home.
This leads down to the lower section, a sophisticated designed base consisting of three chamfered front drawers with brass swan neck handles sitting over a small, square central spice drawer
above two arched fielded panels and either side is a large arched fielded panel door, each of these opens up for storage.
The sides consist of various sized field panels, one square, one long and two short, all supported on four stile feet.
The tridarn was produced in a small area in the North of Wales, particularly Snowdonia between 1660-1770.
This design of cupboard was linked with pieces such as the press cupboard or the deurddarn and the top section was added to become the cwpwrdd tridarn which enabled the display of items in the open top section.
This tridarn is in very good condition for age evidence of old restoration, completed in a sympathetic manner, is of stable construction and can go straight into a home.
All three sections come apart to enable moving the piece much easier in smaller properties such as cottages.
Similar examples can be found in the book ‘Welsh Furniture 1250-1950’ by Richard Bebb.