George III Mahogany Clothes Press
Stock No: 11614
£5,865.00
In-stock
Country: English
Date: Circa 1775 - 1785
Medium: Mahogany, Boxwood, Tulipwood
Dimensions
Height: 195.00cm (76.77 inches)
Width: 127.00cm (50 inches)
Depth: 54.00cm (21.26 inches)
Condition
Excellent
Main description
A George III Hepplewhite period mahogany clothes press, dating from circa 1775 to 1785, veneered in finely figured flamed mahogany and displaying many of the defining characteristics associated with the Hepplewhite period. The upper section is finished with a thumbnail moulded cornice above finely inlaid parquetry boxwood and ebony banding, which sits above the distinctive George Hepplewhite trademark tear drop moulding. An applied arched moulding, veneered in figured mahogany above a single cock bead moulding, completes the architectural form of the cornice.
The book matched flamed mahogany doors are cross banded with rosewood, satinwood, boxwood and brown ebony stringing, framing inset oval panelled doors of particularly well figured timber. Opening the doors reveals four oak lined, mahogany fronted sliding trays. The trays are period, retaining a later brass railing to the top of the cupboard, and we have reinstated the original tray runners to return the clothes press to its original intended internal arrangement.
The upper section stands on a full length pull out drawer fitted with the original handles. Below, the apron is veneered and cross banded in satinwood before the press is raised on elegant splayed feet, giving the piece the balanced proportions associated with the late eighteenth century.
Full length doors of this quality, combined with such finely figured flamed mahogany veneers and extensive decorative cross banding, are increasingly difficult to find. The cabinet displays the restrained yet highly detailed design associated with the Hepplewhite period, making it an impressive example of late eighteenth century English furniture.
View the complete Freshfords Cabinets collection.
Who Was George Hepplewhite?
George Hepplewhite was one of the most influential English furniture designers of the George III period. Best known for his elegant Neoclassical designs and the posthumous publication of The Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer’s Guide, Hepplewhite’s work helped define late eighteenth century English furniture through its graceful proportions, shield back chairs and refined decorative details.
For further information, see our Makers and Retailers encyclopaedia on George Hepplewhite.
What Is Mahogany?
Mahogany is one of the most important and widely used hardwoods in the history of antique furniture. Celebrated for its strength, stability and rich colouring, it became the defining cabinet making timber of the Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods, appearing in everything from dining tables and bookcases to chests of drawers and library furniture.
For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Mahogany.
What Is Boxwood?
Boxwood is an exceptionally dense hardwood traditionally used for fine stringing, inlay, banding and decorative detailing. Its pale colour and ability to hold crisp detail made it particularly popular with Georgian and Regency cabinet makers, where it was often used to contrast darker timbers such as mahogany and satinwood.
For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Boxwood.
What Is Ebony?
Ebony is one of the most prized decorative hardwoods used in antique furniture, recognised for its deep black colour, exceptional density and smooth, polished finish. Sourced primarily from India, Sri Lanka, Africa and Southeast Asia, ebony was widely used throughout the Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods for fine inlay, stringing, mouldings, turned details and luxury furniture, where its striking contrast complemented lighter timbers such as satinwood, tulipwood and mahogany.
For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Ebony.
What Is Rosewood?
Rosewood is a richly coloured tropical hardwood prized for its deep brown tones, darker figuring and natural lustre. During the Regency and Victorian periods, it became one of the most desirable cabinet making timbers, widely used for high quality furniture, writing tables, musical instruments and decorative veneers.
For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Rosewood.
What Is Satinwood?
Satinwood is a highly decorative hardwood recognised for its bright golden colouring and natural lustre. It became one of the defining cabinet making timbers of the late Georgian and Regency periods, particularly for veneers, cross banding and marquetry.
For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Satinwood.
What Is Oak?
Oak is one of the most enduring and widely recognised timbers used in antique furniture. Valued for its strength, durability and distinctive grain, it has been used in British furniture making for centuries, particularly in Tudor, Jacobean, Georgian and Victorian furniture, as well as architectural joinery.
For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Oak.
What Is the George III Period?
The George III period (1760-1820) is widely regarded as one of the finest periods of English furniture making. Influenced by designers such as Thomas Chippendale, George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton, furniture from the period is recognised for its elegant proportions, high quality cabinet making and the widespread use of mahogany, satinwood and other fine timbers.
For further information, see our Antique Furniture Periods encyclopaedia on the Georgian Period.
Why Buy From Freshfords Antiques?
Established in 1987, Freshfords Antiques has spent nearly four decades sourcing and curating the finest examples of English antique furniture. Our reputation is built upon a deep-rooted specialism in the Georgian and Regency periods, where we focus on selecting pieces that retain their genuine age, original patination, and unimpeachable authenticity. We believe that an antique should not only be a significant historical object but also a functional and beautiful addition to a contemporary home.
As proud members of the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA), we operate under a rigorously enforced code of conduct that prioritises professional integrity and expertise. Membership of BADA is only granted after a thorough election procedure and is subject to annual review, ensuring that our clients can purchase with complete confidence. When you acquire a piece from Freshfords, you are benefiting from a wealth of experience, a dedication to craftsmanship, and a commitment to preserving the heritage of the finest English cabinet making.
