A Fine Small 18th Century Canopy Rack Dresser

Of delightfully small size, this archetypal Welsh dresser was made in Denbighshire in the first quarter of the 18th century. The extremely well-shaped rack possesses all the features that are true to the area, the full canopy, extending almost to the front of the base, has a shaped frieze with turned pendants, or "droppers" at each end. The sides of the rack have a proper "belly" shape, and terminate at the bottom in a well-shaped foot. The vertical back boards are oak and random widths, supported top and bottom by horizontal bearers.

The top of the base is formed from one "mirror-cut" (or butterflied) board, forming two individual pieces, which are secured to the rails with square oak pegs. Below the boarded top are three oak-lined drawers, with raised, or fielded, panel fronts, below these are two cupboard doors, each with a pair of raised panels to match the drawers.

This is one of the smallest Denbighshire dressers I have seen, a fabulous burnished oak colour, and in wonderful condition.

North Wales, Denbigshire, circa 1725.

Width 52 inches, height 74.5 inches, depth 20 inches.

Ref 2024