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Antique wardrobe, circa 1880s, by Edwards & Roberts. Classically inspired Sheraton Revival style featuring detailed marquetry and Boxwood inlays, as well as Cuban Mahogany mouldings and carvings.

Edwards & Roberts
Sheraton Revival

“Edwards & Roberts were London-based furniture makers, upholsterers, and antique furniture dealers throughout most of the second half of the 19th century. They were known for their high-quality furniture made in the French style, as well as reproductions of Sheraton, Adam, and Hepplewhite designs. Their clients were mainly aristocrats, but also included the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of York, Tsar Nicholas II, and Queen Victoria.”

Background

A long-time client engaged Frank’s services to conserve and restore this magnificent wardrobe. Neglected and unloved for many years, it desperately needed work. The base had suffered significant water damage and required rebuilding and re-veneering. The rest of the wardrobe, though complete, had chips and damage commensurate with its age. It underwent an extensive restoration and conservation process.

Damage and losses to the Mahogany veneer and Boxwood string inlays long the bottom edge of the door.

There was significant damage and loss to the veneer and Boxwood inlay, requiring numerous repairs. This type of damage is often found around edges where rubbing can occur.

 

Detail of the same door after the damage has been repaired. Boxwood, string inlays, and old mahogany veneer have been carefully fitted, matching the grain texture pattern and colour.

Above is the finished repair, prior to polishing. The correct timber species was used, carefully matching the grain pattern and texture.

Process

This wardrobe was quite an extensive project that encompassed a wide range of techniques and skills. Frank generally starts with the base of a piece. Ensuring the base is structurally sound, square, and properly aligned is fundamental to the project. Once the base is completed, the rest of the components are gradually worked on as needed, and the wardrobe is put back together.

  • The base was the first part repaired. Once re-glued it was re-blocked. Glue blocks are an important structural element that need to be individually fitted to ensure a good strong join.

  • All the veneers on this piece are a figured, fiddleback Cuban Mahogany. Frank has stocks of old salvaged Mahogany veneer which was used to patch and replace losses.

  • The drawer sides were slightly worn down. However as they are well made and well fitted with wide drawer slips the wear was minimal.

  • Missing and damaged string inlay was repaired with old salvaged Boxwood. English Boxwood, a beautiful very finely grained timber was extensively used for inlays and marquetry.

  • There were many applied mouldings with damage and losses. The exact profile is replicated. This requires, skilled hand work using rebate, shoulder and moulding planes. 

  • Some moulding had old repairs that had been done with an electric router. These poorly matched mouldings were replaced with ones correctly shaped.

  • Losses to the carved capitals were repaired and re-carved.

  • This piece had French polish finish. As seen on many English pieces the grain was filled with plaster of Paris and a full bodied French polished finish applied. Most of the old finish could be retained. However the base and the gables were re-polished.

  • The drawer and door pulls were gilt bronze, they were gently cleaned and refitted.

     

Replicating a missing mahogany moulding. Traditional moulding and rebate planes are used to precisely match the existing profile.

This piece is fully constructed out of mahogany, using African mahogany for the secondary timbers. It features high-quality Cuban mahogany mouldings, carvings, and face veneers.

The replicated moulding being cut and fitted into the wardrobe.

Some of the moldings were lost or damaged. The original profile was precisely replicated, and replacements were made using old mahogany of the correct species.

Clamps, in conjunction with a curved caul, are used to press replacement mahogany veneer onto the face of the base.

The base needed to be fully rebuilt. It completely came apart and had to be re-glued and re-blocked. Bases can often suffer significant damage over the years.

A recess for the boxwood string inlays is being cut by hand using a cutting gauge to achieve the correct groove width.

Missing and damaged face veneers were replaced with 3mm thick veneers cut from old Mahogany, then glued onto the substrate. String inlay was cut and fitted.

The completed wardrobe, looks magnificent. An exquisite example of high Victorian cabinetmaking at its best.

The completed wardrobe looks magnificent. This piece is an excellent example of high Victorian cabinetmaking at its best. Only the finest quality materials were used. Expertly made by highly skilled craftspeople.

Outcome

This piece was a pleasure to work on. Vast amounts of furniture were made during the Victorian era. Mass production techniques were rapidly developed alongside growing industrialization. The majority of furniture made during this period was of average quality, rapidly consumed by a growing middle class. The quality of this wardrobe far exceeds pieces typically seen during this era and represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship from the Victorian era.

Frank is a skilled craftsman and we are extremely happy with the work he did for us. We would be happy to recommend his services.

Paul

Pullenvale, Queensland

If you would like to discuss commissioning a furniture repair, contact Frank by making an inquiry...
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