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18thC Oak Armoire
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| 18thC
Oak Armoire. From Nantes, c.1720-40. Nantes is a wealthy
port town engaged in Atlantic trade. To be more specific,
like Bristol and Liverpool its wealth derived from trading
in the golden triangle (trade goods to W. Africa, slaves
to the Americas, sugar, rum and mahogany home). Mahogany
was brought back as ballast and use in the ship building
industry at first. It was not initially valued as a
cabinet making timber. The first french pieces were
made in Nantes around 1720. Initially small high-lighting
panels were included in the traditional oak forms. They
represent the first pieces of French mahogany or part
mahogany furniture. This is the first example I've come
across outside of museum collections. Its style is late
Regence ( ending 1723 but the style persisted and not
comparable with with English Regency of the early 19thC)
appreciably earlier and scarcer than more familiar Louis
XV and XVI. Its a wealthy merchants piece from a well
appointed town house and would well suit a georgian
or victorian home. It is of oak with a central mahogany
panel in each door and is well carved.It has been (thankfully)
untouched since original delivery and is in excellent
condition. It is amply deep for hanging and a shelf
or two and nor too large for UK homes. Its scarcity
and history have no bearing on the price. It seems undervalued
given its coming up for its 300th birthday, has unquestionable
provenance and costs less than most half way acceptable
department store repro. To be used and enjoyed. |
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The Bed Workshop
The Old Pickle Factory, Braunton Road, Bedminster, Bristol, BS3 3AA
0117 963 6659 (+44 117 963 6659)
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