A Fine Quality Victorian Dressing Table By The Renowned Leeds Makers Constantine & Co.

This impressive and beautifully crafted dressing table is a superb example of the quality cabinet making for which Constantine & Co. of Leeds were renowned. The piece bears its original paper maker's label to the reverse, together with piece number 38808, and is signed by the cabinet maker responsible for its construction — a wonderful and unusually personal piece of provenance.

The dressing table is constructed in richly figured walnut, with beautifully matched and book-matched timbers to the top and highly figured walnut-veneered drawer fronts. The timber displays a wonderful natural grain throughout, with a warm, consistent colour and attractive patination developed over many years.

The top is surmounted by a huge central swing mirror, retaining its original glass, and framed by an elegant carved and shaped surround.

Below the mirror is a frieze containing three drawers, each retaining its original turned wooden knobs. The drawers feature hand-cut dovetail joints, demonstrating the quality of construction. Particularly impressive is the central drawer, which is enhanced by fabulous hand-carved decoration to both sides and the centre, providing a striking focal point.

The central kneehole is enclosed by a matched pair of cupboard doors, opening to reveal a useful shelf. These are flanked by two banks of five graduated drawers, giving the piece an excellent amount of practical storage while maintaining a wonderfully balanced and symmetrical appearance.

The dressing table is raised on substantial plinth bases and has an imposing yet elegant presence. The combination of richly figured walnut, fine carving, original mirror glass and excellent cabinet-making makes this a particularly desirable Victorian piece.

Constantine & Co. Leeds

Constantine & Co. were a significant 19th-century Leeds furniture and interior-decoration firm, associated with William Sutcliffe Constantine and based in South Parade, Leeds. The company was involved in the production of high-quality furniture and undertook prestigious furnishing and decorating commissions, including work connected with Harewood House in 1845.

Examples of Constantine & Co. furniture continue to appear on the antiques market, including pieces documented by major auction houses such as Sotheby's.

The original maker's label, individual piece number 38808, and the handwritten cabinet maker's signature make this an especially interesting example of the firm's work and add considerably to its provenance.

Dimensions

Width: XX cm
Depth: XX cm
Height: XX cm to the top of the back

A magnificent piece of Victorian furniture with beautiful figured walnut, superb carving and excellent original features. The combination of the maker's label and individual cabinet maker's signature makes this a particularly special opportunity for the collector of quality Victorian furniture.

Delivery

I'm happy to deliver locally for a small fee, or I can arrange a courier nationally at the buyer's expense. Please contact me to discuss delivery options and obtain a quote.

Reference: S605