Description
Edwards & Roberts
A late Victorian mahogany & marquetry inlaid side cabinet. The glazed top with central door flanked by concave sides, surmounted by a scroll pediment, raised above a polished top with mirrored back. The similar shaped base with a single drawer above a pair of cupboard doors, flanked by concave panels and open shelves, standing on six short tapering legs ending in spade feet. Fine colour and condition. Stamped to the drawer ‘Edwards & Roberts’.
Height 85” (216cm)
Width 54” (137cm)
Depth 17” (43cm)
English
Circa 1890
Edwards & Roberts was founded in 1845, and had premises at 21 Wardour Street London. By 1892 they occupied more than a dozen buildings in Wardour Street, where they continued to trade until the end of the century. They became one of the leading London cabinet makers and retailers working in a variety of styles, both modern and revivalist. Their business also involved retailing, adapting and restoring the finest antique furniture and there are many examples of their earlier furniture with later embellishments bearing their stamp. Edwards & Roberts specialized in marquetry, inlay and ormolu. Edwards & Roberts was one of the principal London companies working in the taste of the late 18th century. They started business in 1845 and by 1854 were trading as “Edwards & Roberts, 21 Wardour Street, Antique and Modern Cabinet Makers and Importers of Ancient Furniture”. Wardour Street became an important furniture retailing area in the second half of the 19th century. The firm carried a fine and complete library of the old designers (i.e. Chippendale, Adam, Hepplewhite and Sheraton). They ceased trading in 1899 having been at various addresses. c.f.: Wainwright, June 1978, pps. 95-105.
