George I Burr Walnut Chest on Chest

George I Burr Walnut Chest on Chest

A superb example of early 18th-century English craftsmanship, this George I Burr Walnut Chest on Chest displays the period’s refined elegance and exceptional attention to detail. Its form is both stately and practical, embodying the sophisticated style that typified furniture of the British Isles around 1720.

Origin: England
Date: Circa 1720
Material: Burr walnut veneer with secondary timbers

Dimensions: Height: 171 cm (67 ins); Width: 110 cm (43.3 ins); Depth: 54 cm (21.2 ins)

Condition: Excellent patina, minor old restorations

This antique storage cabinet is an outstanding representative of the George I period, known for its transition from William and Mary to early Georgian aesthetics. Chests on chests became popular among the English gentry for their impressive scale and practical storage. Comparable specimens can be found in major collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, testament to their enduring value and appeal within the world of Georgian antiques.

Notable Features:

• Exquisite bookmatched burr walnut veneers across the upper doors
• Twelve fitted interior drawers in the top section, offering both intrigue and ample storage
• A lower chest incorporating two short over two long drawers, lending versatility to its form
• Raised on original turned bun feet, characteristic of early 18th-century English cabinet furniture

This chest on chest is particularly distinguished by the exceptional craftsmanship evident in the careful selection and arrangement of walnut veneers, which showcase captivating grain patterns and warm hues. The symmetry and clean lines display the subtle transition from baroque to early Georgian design principles, highlighting sophistication without excessive ornamentation.

Collectors will prize this George I burr walnut chest both for its rarity and its classic, highly sought-after form, rarely encountered in such complete and original condition. Its scale and distinguished provenance make it suitable for prominent display in a period interior, while the array of drawers provides substantial practical value for refined modern storage or curatorial display within a dedicated collection of Georgian antiques.

This antique English storage cabinet is thus an ideal choice for collectors and decorators seeking a statement piece with both historical significance and enduring style.