George III Tulipwood Secretaire Cabinet
Stock No: 11470
£8,750.00
In-stock
Country: English
Date: Circa 1785 - 1795
Medium: Tulipwood, Purpleheart
Dimensions
Height: 108.00cm (42.52 inches)
Width: 59.00cm (23.23 inches)
Depth: 31.00cm (12.2 inches)
Main description
A George III tulipwood secretaire cabinet, dating from circa 1785 to 1795, of small proportions and from the Sheraton period. Veneered with purpleheart cross banding and large tulipwood parquetry panels, the cabinet reflects the refined neoclassical style associated with the late eighteenth century. Known in France as a secrétaire à abattant, this form combines a writing desk, cabinet and chest within a single elegant piece of furniture.
The upper section is finished with a frieze drawer above the fall front writing desk, which opens to reveal a fitted interior arranged with banks of small drawers. The original colours of the base woods remain particularly well preserved throughout the fitted interior, while the drawers retain their original gilt brass handles. The leather lined writing surface probably also dates to the time of manufacture.
Below, a cupboard door opens to reveal a single fitted shelf, completing the practical internal arrangement. The cabinet stands on bracket feet and is finished with quarter inlays to the sides and top, complementing the tulipwood parquetry panels and purpleheart cross banding carried throughout the exterior.
The secretaire cabinet is known by several names. In Britain it is commonly referred to as a secretaire cabinet or fall front secretaire, while in America the term secretary is often used. The French name, secrétaire à abattant, is widely adopted by antique dealers and auction houses and refers to the distinctive fall front writing surface that conceals drawers and pigeonholes within the cabinet.
Derived from the Renaissance writing cabinet and later bureau, the secretaire cabinet developed into its recognisable form during the late seventeenth century before becoming firmly established in fashionable eighteenth century interiors. Combining secure storage with a dedicated writing surface, it remains one of the most practical and recognisable forms of Georgian cabinet furniture.
View the complete Freshfords Cabinets collection.
What Is a Secretaire Cabinet?
A Secretaire Cabinet (secrétaire à abattant) is a tall cabinet incorporating a hinged fall front that opens to create a writing surface, revealing an interior fitted with drawers and pigeonholes. Popular during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, it offered an elegant combination of secure storage and writing furniture within a compact footprint.
For further information, see our Antique Furniture Types encyclopaedia on Cabinets and Sideboards.
What Is Tulipwood?
Tulipwood is a highly decorative exotic hardwood recognised for its pinkish colouring and fine striped grain. It was widely used during the Georgian and Regency periods for cross banding, stringing, marquetry and decorative veneers, often providing contrast against mahogany, satinwood and kingwood.
For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Tulipwood.
What Is Purpleheart?
Purpleheart is a dense tropical hardwood recognised for its distinctive purple colouring, which deepens with age and exposure. Although uncommon in traditional English furniture, it has been used for decorative veneers, marquetry and specialist cabinet work where unusual natural colour was required.
For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Purpleheart.
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.
