Georgian Welsh Oak Potboard Dresser
An exceptionally pretty oak dresser of open-base, “potboard” form, made from well figured timber with great variation and intensity of colour and patina.
The open back shelves have partially shaped sides which are also graduated. The base has a row of false spice drawers and the moulded edge top is of wildly grained timber. The three, pine-lined drawers retain some original brassware. The most striking and distinctive feature though, is the generous, single piece frieze, elaborately pierced with multiple tendril design, the middle one centred on a pierced heart motif.
The simple square chamfering on the legs affords just enough detail but allows the frieze above to take centre stage.
The broad planks in the potboard have a well defined moulded edge. The colour and patination are exceptionally good. Probably Glamorganshire, circa 1790-1810.
*Ceramics used to decorate the dresser are not for sale.
Dimensions:
141 cms wide, 42 cms deep, 191 cms high overall.
Literature:
For similar fretwork design, see 893, page 134, Vol Two, “ Welsh Furniture, 1250-1950, A Cultural History of Craftsmanship and Design” by Richard Bebb. Published by Saer Books.
Also image 96 of “Welsh Furniture” by L Twiston-Davies and H J Lloyd-Johnes, published by University of Wales Press, Cardiff, 1950, which shows a variation of this tendril design on a Glamorganshire potboard dresser.
