Chest with four panels of linenfold carving, English, c. 1500

Oak framed chest with linenfold panelling; the lid has a raised and moulded edge, the front is carved with three panels of linenfold ornament framed in moulded stiles. At each end are two more linenfold panels carved in a similar manner.

15th June 2005
Notes from Loan visit to Oakwell Hall:
Stamped ID on PL rear leg side;
The back incorporates a part finished linenfold panel into the back, otherwise the back panels are very plain rebated panels;
The panelled lid on 3 staple hinges;
The base formed by a single plank nailed up (a single split), probably replaced at the same time that the PL rear foot replaced;
Missing till at PR end.

Repairs
Repair for a lock ring on the top rail.
Modern wooden reinforcer behind central front panel.
The top fitted lock hasp nailed on (hand made nails) but appears to be an adaptation, and is missing corresponding metalwork under the lid.

Summary: Good, with honest repairs and stripped of white paint (which probably explains the extensive exposed worm channels). Not much wear obvious under the feet.

Given by Miss Emily Hanson

Gift from Miss Emily Hanson (Little Woodberries, Loughton, Essex).
Condition upon acquisition: 'A block of wood had been applied above the lock-plate opening and has been removed. Cracked and worn.' (RP 30/6013)

On long term loan to Oakwell Hall, Batley,

Comparative Objects:
- Haverhill II, Armada linenfold panelled chest, illustrated in David Sherlock's 'Suffolk Church Chests', 2008
- 'A Mid-16th Century Oak Joined and Linenfold-Carved Coffer, Franco-Flemish, Circa 1550', Bonhams Oxford, 13/05/2015, Lot 26
- Oak Hall, Wat Bromwich, 09/2016

Chests were the earliest form of furniture used for storage and could easily be carried from place to place. They were used for storing clothes, linen, documents or money and often had locks for security, as in this case. The lock on this oak example is a replacement.

On loan to Oakwell Hall.

W.28-1930