Antique Edwardian Oak Tambour Plan Chest from Warings, 1910

Details

Description

A superb early 20th-century oak plan chest by Warings, dating to circa 1910 and combining substantial proportions with an exceptionally … Read more A superb early 20th-century oak plan chest by Warings, dating to circa 1910 and combining substantial proportions with an exceptionally practical tambour-fronted design. Constructed from oak, the cabinet features a pull-down tambour front formed from narrow wooden slats, allowing the interior to be securely enclosed without requiring conventional projecting doors. When opened, the tambour reveals a bank of twelve shallow pull-out drawers reminiscent of traditional haberdashery cabinetry. The numerous drawers provide extensive storage for architectural plans, drawings, prints, documents, textiles or collections, making the cabinet equally suitable for practical storage or use as an impressive display piece. The cabinet retains its maker's label reading “Warings, By Appointment to the Queen, 175–181 Oxford Street W, London, Liverpool, Manchester & Paris,” reflecting the firm's considerable presence within the British furniture trade. Warings developed from a successful 19th-century cabinetmaking business associated with Samuel James Waring. The company expanded considerably during the later Victorian period, undertaking important furnishing commissions and establishing showrooms in major British cities and Paris. Around the turn of the century, the business became part of Waring & Gillow, one of Britain's most prominent furniture and interior furnishing companies. The plan chest remains in good antique condition and the tambour mechanism and drawers remain functional. The original key is no longer present. Natural surface wear and patination are consistent with its age and historic use. A substantial and highly practical piece of English commercial furniture, equally appropriate for a period or contemporary interior, architectural studio, library, gallery or retail environment. Dimensions: Height: 163 cm Width: 87 cm Depth: 57 cm Weight: Approximately 70 kg Date of Manufacture: circa 1910 Period: Early 20th Century Style: Industrial / Commercial Country of Origin: England See less