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Gallery of work

• 18th Century Mahogany Bureau
• Late 18th Century Mahogany Presses
• 18th Century Rosewood & Brass Games table
• Regency Berger Chair
• 18th Century Decorative Carved Feature

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This early 18th.century Mahogany Bureau Book Case was in a very poor state of repair. The present owner had rescued it from a barn where it was covered in bird and bat droppings. Fortunately the wood had a heavy wax finish which had preserved it from irreversible damage. Later after close inspection the furniture was found to have its original wax finish below all the surface dirt. A very rare find as many pieces have been stripped and refinished removing that valuable historic patination. With care the original surface was uncovered and brought back to life The interior of the bureau was missing drawers, a door and the decorative secret drawers which were located at the top of the pigeon holes. These were all remade with wood of the period which was stained and waxed to match the originals. The drawer linings were of quartered English Oak Various large chips were repaired by splicing in new pieces of wood from the same period.

The press on the right was made for this hall in the late 18th century. The cluster columns and gothic style are typical of the halls architecture. The ceilings of the rooms are vaulted with several cluster columns terminating each feature. Much of the halls furniture has a similar theme.

The press on the left was made relatively recently from period timber; perhaps the early 20th.century. Both presses had been stored in out buildings for many years. They were in very bad condition. Many mouldings had been lost and the finish had been water damaged. The veneer was also lifting in places. The cabinets are of Cuban Mahogany veneered on a Yellow Pine carcase. Details are made from solid Ebony. Both cabinets are made to be assembled on site.

Intriguing to imagine them being delivered by horse and cart and the assembled on site by the Cabinet Maker. The handles were Lions Heads of cast brass finely finished , chased and Fire-gilt. The older cabinet had its original finish of bees wax. This had protected the surface of the wood allowing a revival of the original surface without stripping. The second cabinet had been French polished . This had to be carefully removed and the surface coloured to match the older press and then waxed.

Mahogany press made to match the original on the right probably in the early 20th.century	The original Mahogany press probably made at the end of the 18th.century

Cornice detail of the original 18th.century press showing the ebony enrichment