Antique Linen Press

Regency Antique Linen Press

The Antique linen press has been made throughout the late 18th and 19th century. The most sought after is the Georgian linen press as this is made from the finest quality timbers including solid Mahogany. The Victorian cabinet maker produced smaller versions called a press cupboard.

Styles and History Of the Antique Linen Press

The earliest type of Antique linen Press, was in the 18th century in the form of a Linen cupboard. They will usually consist of five lovely Mahogany lined linen slides. The renowned designer Chippendale made these pieces with fine features such as Ogee bracket feet and mirrored figured panelled doors.

This is an example of an 18th Century Georgian Mahogany Antique Secretaire Press Cupboard dating from ca. 1770. This is attributed to Gillows of Lancaster due to the design and superb quality figured Mahogany timbers used in its construction.This is quite an unusual piece of antique furniture as the lower section has a large top drawer, that pulls out and folds down using the original brass mechanism. The interior has a green baize writing surface, several small drawers and pigeon holes, a central cupboard and two secret concealed book drawers.

Quality Georgian Gillows Mahogany Antique Secretaire Press Cupboard
Secretaire Drawer on the Press

During the 19th Century the Linen press stayed in a similar form but still with spectacular features like this Figured Mahogany Regency Antique Linen Press circa, 1830. It has two beautifully figured cupboard doors with arched mouldings and the interior comprises of five sliding linen trays. Below is two over two graduating mahogany lined cock beaded drawers with beautifully turned handles.  This wonderful piece stands on turned bun feet and splits into two sections for easy removal. Some other features from this period would include a brass clash mould, brass rococo key escutcheons and decorative brass lion head handles.

Figured Mahogany Regency Antique Linen Press
Five Sliding Linen Trays

The Victorian linen press was built in the 19th century often with more rounded corners, pilasters, turned handles, bun feet and highly French polished to that mirrored shine.  Some renowned makers such as Maple & co built presses to meet the the new style of this period. This Spectacular Satin Walnut Victorian Antique Linen Press dates from around 1890 and is beautifully figured. It has a curved moulded cornice above two cupboard doors with raised fielded panels.

Maple & Co Satin Walnut Victorian Antique Linen Press
Panel Section on Press

From 1901 during the Edwardian period new influences appeared on press designs like this Stunning Art Nouveau Oak Antique Linen press / Wardrobe with decorative carved panels. The interior is fitted with a hanging rail, hooks and several linen drawers. The lower section has two graduating drawers with decorative brass handles above two cupboard doors unusual shoe storage section.

Art Nouveau Edwardian Oak Antique Press
Interior view of Edwardian Press

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