Low dresser
Category
Furniture
Date
Unknown
Materials
Yew
Measurements
88 x 191 x 49 cm
Order this imageCollection
Westwood Manor, Wiltshire
NT 222244
Summary
Yew table, open low dresser, late 17th century. § Below the top of two boards with an ovolo moulded edge are three drawers, the two outer with paired geometric mouldings to their fronts, that in the centre with a moulded edge only. Each has two brass loop handles with engraved plates (not original). The four baluster turned front legs below on simple turned feet are linked by rectangular stretchers to the two squared rear legs. § Whilst the generic term 'Dresser' from the Anglo French would seem originally to refer to a surface for the preparation of food and thus be found in kitchens, the 'low dresser' was always meant for the Dining Room, to provide storage and a surface from which to serve. In usage it may be seen as a drawered version of a side table, from which it evolved, and a lighter and often more elegant form of the enclosed dresser, often fitted with a rack for display. See W.F.52.
Provenance
E.G. Lister collection