English, 1630-80, oak, 78/2450

Carved oak chest with interlace ? round the front and a lozenge motif on each panel; these are separated by two areas of carved floral motifs enclosing a passage of chequer inlay; the lid is surrounded by a moulded edge.

Oak chest of panelled construction (double-pegged) with carved front, two panels with flattened lozenge pattern and guilloche borders (full description below), with a lidded till at the PR end. The lid formed of two planks, with moulded ends and front edge (and originally with a cleat at each end, missing) and held on two nailed strap hinges (replacements for 3 original wire loop hinges).
The front with two large panels divided by a narrow band of chequer inlay. The upper rail carved with a running band of guilloche extending onto the upper parts of the front legs; the legs and lower rail carved with alternating small/large guilloche, with spiral carved rosettes. Two central muntins (with scratch mouldings) each with 3 stylised rosettes with opposing palmettes between. Each large panel is carved with a flattened lozenge (with a moulded triple border with alternativing star-shaped punch and a curved gouge blade), enclosing a rosette set within four interlaced circles. The back plain (muntins with scratch mouldings). The ends plain, with stopped mouldings on the stiles and rails.
The interior plain, the panels cut with a gentle chamfer.
Four base boards run front to back, held with hand-made nails and bird's mouth joints.
A dark stain overall. The oak appears to be relatively fast growth English.
A ploughed groove runs to the ground on each leg:
PR front - inside face
PR rear - front face
PL front - rear face
PL rear - inside face

Repairs and condition
Generally clean and tidy condition (light wear), but plausible. The feet with reasonable wear but no tipping. The pegs slightly oval and protruding.
The lock replaced but the escutcheon early, and the lock hasp replaced. The front of the till probably replacement. The interior with four modern hooks and a modern ring hasp on the till lid.

Bequeathed by Miss E. M. Baker

Bequeathed by Miss Ellen Maud Baker of 23 Copley Park, Streatham SW16, described by W.A.Thorpe as 'In good condition and quite an attractive furnishing piece. A passage of chequer inlay flanked by horizontal diamonds in panels.'
On long-term loan to Ilkley Manor House from 1961 for some years (Registered file 61/2393)
Inspected at tee Old Gaol, Hexham August 2007

Flattened lozenge, inlay banding and guilloche are found on Yorkshire oak furniture of the 17th century, although the pronounced guilloche is a marked feature of SW (Somerset) furniture.

There is a reference to '358-1961' in an object sampling carried out by Jo Darrah, V&A Science, which may apply to this object; drawer/slide reference 1/43.

Domestic chests were generally used for storing clothing, bedding and linen, and are often recorded near bedchambers or standing at the foot of a bed. Chests of panelled construction with carved fronts, like this one, were comparatively high-status products during the 16th and 17th centuries, being very robust as well as attractively carved with a wide variety of ornament.

On loan to Hexham Old Gaol.

CIRC.358-1961