Triple wardrobe
H. Mawer & Stephenson
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1850
Materials
Mahogany, birch, pine, brass
Measurements
217 x 188 x 56 cm
Place of origin
England
Collection
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
NT 1128090
Summary
A mahogany triple wardrobe, English, mid-19th century, retailed by H. Mawer & Stephenson of London. Topped by a moulded cornice above three arch-panelled doors of solid mahogany. The proper right and central door a pair, and fitted with four mahogany slides. Above two short and two long drawers, fitted with brass flush handles. The proper left door fitted to the interior with brass hooks. -- In 1902, H. Mawer & Stephenson operated out of the Fulham Road, South Kensington. Their stamp has been recorded on furniture dating from the 18th century, so it may be that the firm was a retailer or broker, not a cabinet-maker.
Full description
Mawer & Stephenson were furniture retailers in the late 19th century and early 20th century in London. Occasionally their name stamp has been found with labels or impressed marks of other firms, further indicating that this partnership were purely retailers and not makers of furniture (Gilbert 'Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840', 1996, p.39 and p.323).
Provenance
By descent until, following the death of Edward William Spencer Cavendish, 10th Duke of Devonshire (1895 - 1950), Hardwick Hall and its contents were accepted by HM Treasury in part payment of death duties and transferred to the National Trust, in 1959.
Marks and inscriptions
Drawer edges: H. MAWER & STEPHENSON / LONDON
Makers and roles
H. Mawer & Stephenson, retailer
References
Gilbert (1996): Christopher Gilbert, Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700 - 1840 (1996), p.39 and p.323