Chest
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1666
Materials
Wood, iron, paint
Measurements
65 x 114.5 x 54 cm
Place of origin
Switzerland
Order this imageCollection
Greys Court, Oxfordshire
NT 195529
Summary
A painted chest, Swiss, circa 1666 with some later decoration. With peaked sides and peaked lid, painted all over in green and to the ends and lid with various arms, including those of Brunner and Tschundi (tree with fir cones and three roots), and the date 1666. With iron bands, hasps and handles.
Full description
Chests like these were used to carry and store munitions, as well as other domestic objects, whilst larger examples (up to 2m long) were used to store armour. The coats of arms may represent a marriage between a Brunner and a Tschundi, but more research is required to be sure of the exact significance of the heraldry. Restoration work was carried out on the chest in 1977 at the request of Lady Brunner by Campbell, Smith and Co Ltd. Decorators, 122 Muswell Hill, Broadway, London. The fine art work was undertaken by Mr Maurice Keevil. The painting to the two ends is original, but the rest of the chest was repainted to match the ends. The heraldry on the lid was reinstated and then 'antiqued' to match the surface of the rest of the chest.
Provenance
Gifted to the National Trust from the Estate of Lady Elizabeth Brunner, 2005.