Linen press
Edwards and Roberts
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1890
Materials
Mahogany, satinwood, marquetry, brass
Measurements
225 x 122 x 55 cm
Place of origin
England
Order this imageCollection
Wightwick Manor, West Midlands
NT 1288323
Summary
A mahogany and marquetry-inlaid linen-press, London, by Edward & Roberts, circa 1890, the moulded cornice with swan neck pediment and satinwood marquetry inlay, with a band of satinwood-inlaid swags between two bands, above two panelled cupboard doors, each door with marquetry inlay of urns, scrolling foliage and strung borders, the interior with six sliding tray shelves, the cupboard doors above two short and two long drawers, the drawers with cockbeading and brass oval backplates an handles, the drawer fronts with satinwood strung border and inlaid marquetry of scrolling flowers and foliage, on shaped bracket feet. Edwards & Roberts was founded circa 1845 and grew to become one of London's leading cabinet makers and retailers, creating pieces both modern and revivalist. They particularly specialized in marquetry, inlay and ormolu and were known for the quality of their work. By 1892 they occupied more than a dozen buildings in Wardour Street and continued to trade until the end of the century.
Provenance
In 1937 Sir Geoffrey Mander and his wife Rosalie gifted Wightwick Manor, its contents and gardens to the National Trust. Sir Geoffrey and his family continued to occupy and manage Wightwick adding to the collection in collaboration with the National Trust. Sir Geoffrey died in 1962 but Lady Mander continued to live at Wightwick until her death in 1988. This linen press was transferred to the National Trust on the death of Sir Geoffrey in 1962.
Marks and inscriptions
Edwards and Roberts (stamped)
Makers and roles
Edwards and Roberts, manufacturer