GEORGE I BURR WALNUT BUREAU CHEST

GEORGE I BURR WALNUT BUREAU CHEST

A superb early eighteenth-century storage cabinet, this George I burr walnut bureau chest epitomises the refined taste and skilled craftsmanship characteristic of English Georgian antiques. Crafted circa 1720, its timeless form blends functional elegance with the resplendent beauty of highly figured walnut, making it an exquisite addition to any discerning collection of antique furniture.

Origin: England
Date: Circa 1720
Material: Burr walnut on oak carcass

Dimensions: Height: 108 cm (42.5 in), Width: 91.5 cm (36 in), Depth: 51 cm (20 in)

Condition: Fine honey patina throughout; excellent overall condition with minor sympathetic restorations commensurate with age.

The bureau chest exemplifies early Georgian cabinet furniture, reflecting the period’s transition towards more sophisticated storage solutions in domestic interiors. Its architectural lines and graduated drawers bear comparison with notable George I pieces found in British collections and museums, demonstrating both functionality and ornamental grace. The employment of sumptuous burr walnut was particularly prized amongst English furniture makers, echoing the era’s appreciation of exotic veneers and fine finishing.

Notable Features:

• Craftsmanship highlights:

  • Exceptional figured burr walnut matched with solid oak carcass
  • Finely constructed fall front revealing meticulously fitted interior with banks of drawers, pigeon holes, a central cupboard, and ingenious secret compartments concealed behind pilasters
  • Original brass handles and escutcheons, adding period authenticity

• Design significance:

  • Exemplifies Georgian symmetry and understated sophistication, where the bureau chest’s proportions and material quality speak to the era’s design standards
  • The rich honey patina and carefully selected burr walnut lend a striking visual appeal reminiscent of celebrated English antiques

• Collecting value:

  • This antique storage cabinet is a rare find, both for its finely preserved condition and its classic George I form
  • Desirable for collectors of English and Georgian antiques, especially with its blend of utility and aesthetic refinement

• Practical value:

  • Highly suitable for elegant display in drawing rooms, libraries, or studies
  • Provides both an impressive focal point and practical storage, making it as useful today as it was three centuries ago

For collectors seeking an exceptional example of Georgian antique furniture or anyone wishing to invest in a timeless English bureau chest, this piece offers both distinguished provenance and enduring appeal.