A wonderfully substantial George III oak corner cupboard, dating from the early 19th century, with the sort of weight, colour and slightly uncompromising presence that makes early vernacular furniture so appealing.
Built to occupy the corner of a room, the cupboard has an unusually architectural quality. The tall enclosed body sits above an open stretchered base, with the angled sides following the walls back into the corner. The front is beautifully straightforward: a pair of four-panelled doors, framed by broad oak uprights and hung on long hand-forged iron strap hinges. A simple iron ring handle completes the picture. Nothing unnecessary, and all the better for it.
Inside are two shaped shelves, creating three generous storage areas. Their gently scalloped fronts are a particularly nice detail — largely hidden when the doors are closed, but giving the interior a little flourish that the exterior deliberately avoids.
The oak has developed a superb, deep reddish-brown colour, with considerable variation across the surface. Knocks, old fixing holes, scratches, wear and areas where the timber has been polished by generations of use are all still present. The top in particular carries a wonderful accumulation of marks. It hasn't been made to look newly restored, and its history remains very much part of the piece.
At 165 cm high, it's large enough to have real presence without the bulk of a full-height cupboard or dresser. And, being a corner piece, it makes remarkably economical use of a part of the room that usually does very little beyond collecting a lamp or an optimistic houseplant.
A handsome, practical piece of early English furniture with great colour and a pleasingly primitive quality.
Details
Date: Early 19th century, George III period
Origin: England
Material: Oak with iron hardware
Construction: Panelled double doors with shaped internal shelves and stretchered base
Hardware: Hand-forged iron strap hinges and ring handle
Finish: Deep, naturally aged dark oak patina
Condition
Good antique condition, with considerable age-related wear throughout. The oak has numerous old marks, scratches, knocks, colour variation, old fixing holes and areas of surface wear, all consistent with a utilitarian piece of furniture approaching two centuries old. The interior and shelves similarly show historic wear and movement. These characteristics form an important part of the cupboard's appearance and have deliberately been retained rather than over-restored. Please refer closely to the photographs for detail.
Dimensions
Height: 165 cm
Width across front: 115 cm
Projection from corner: 64 cm
Width along each wall from corner: 84 cm
Delivery
This piece requires specialist courier delivery. Delivery is charged at cost, with a tailored quote provided after ordering. Please get in touch beforehand if you would like an estimate.
