Victorian Rosewood Music Canterbury by Holland & Sons

Country: English

Date: Circa 1845 - 1855

Medium: Rosewood

Dimensions

Height: 56.00cm (22.05 inches)

Width: 58.00cm (22.83 inches)

Depth: 41.00cm (16.14 inches)

Main description

19th century Rio rosewood canterbury by Royal Cabinet Makers Holland & Son.<br /> <br /> A four division music canterbury with integrated carrying handle. The rosewood uprights that support the divisions are made in the solid as are the ring turned columns that decorate the sides.<br /> <br /> The top rails are solid but shaped with corner finials that are supported on larger scaled ring turned columns.<br /> <br /> The canterbury is highly figured throughout with Rio rosewood with a full length mahogany lined drawer. The makers impress mark is visible on the top inside of the drawer.<br /> <br /> The music canterbury is free standing and is raised on elegant tapered legs that sit into gilt brass caps and castors. <br /> <br /> This is the Rolls Royce of canterburies!

A Victorian rosewood music Canterbury by Holland & Sons, dating from circa 1845 to 1855, constructed in highly figured Rio rosewood and impressed with the royal cabinet maker’s mark to the top inside edge of the drawer.

The four division Canterbury incorporates an integrated carrying handle, with solid rosewood uprights supporting the divisions. The sides are decorated with solid ring turned columns, while the shaped top rails terminate in corner finials supported by larger scale ring turned columns.

The Canterbury is highly figured throughout and fitted with a full length mahogany lined drawer. The impressed Holland & Sons mark is clearly visible to the top inside edge of the drawer.

Designed to stand freely within a room, the Canterbury is raised on tapered legs terminating in gilt brass caps and castors. The solid uprights, ring turned columns, mahogany lined drawer and stamped maker’s mark identify the quality of construction associated with Holland & Sons.

View the complete Freshfords Occasional Furniture collection.

What Is a Canterbury?

A Canterbury is a low, open storage stand designed to hold sheet music, books or magazines. Introduced during the late Georgian period and widely used throughout the Victorian era, Canterburys became a practical addition to drawing rooms and music rooms, often incorporating a drawer beneath the divided compartments.

For further information, see our Antique Furniture Types encyclopaedia on Antique Stands and Decorative Furniture.

Who Were Holland and Sons?

Holland and Sons were one of Britain’s leading cabinet makers and furnishers, producing exceptional furniture for royalty, aristocracy and major public buildings throughout the nineteenth century. Established in 1803 and trading as Holland & Sons from 1843, the firm became renowned for outstanding cabinet making, innovative design and prestigious commissions including Osborne House, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Westminster.

For further information, see our Makers and Retailers encyclopaedia on Holland and Sons.

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 the Victorian Period?

The Victorian period (1837-1901) was one of the most diverse periods in British furniture history. Traditional cabinet making continued alongside industrial advances, with furniture reflecting a wide range of revival styles including Gothic, Rococo, Renaissance and Classical influences.

For further information, see our Antique Furniture Periods encyclopaedia on the Victorian 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.