Georgian Chest of Drawers, 2 drawers over 3 drawers configuration, later painted in an Icy Mottled Blue specialist paint finish
England, circa 1760-1780 (George III period)
Late 18th century Georgian straight fronted chest of drawers with original brass handles, solid timber construction and a sympathetic icy mottled blue specialist paint finish
At a Glance - Appeal, Desirability & Collectibility
• Classical Georgian straight-fronted chest of drawers
• English, George III period, circa 1760-1780
• Traditional 2 over 3 drawer configuration
• Solid old-growth timber, naturally seasoned over centuries
• Strong, durable drawers with original drawer linings
• Original hand-made brass hardware: fretted backplates, swan-neck loop handles & escutcheons
• Traditional Georgian bracket feet
• Later painted in a sympathetic icy mottled blue finish
• Sound, stable, and ready for everyday use
• Dimensions: H: 99cm (39") | W: 99cm (39") | D: 48cm (18.9")
• Delivery is not included - please use the Request Delivery Quote feature before completing your order
Timeless Georgian Elegance - Form, Function & History
This handsome straight-fronted Georgian chest of drawers dates to the later 18th century and represents a particularly strong and honest example of its type. Constructed from solid, well-seasoned old-growth timber, it displays the robust, practical cabinet making for which the Georgian period is rightly admired.
The chest is arranged in a traditional two-over-three drawer configuration, offering generous and varied storage. The drawers are notably solid and well-constructed, retaining their original drawer linings which remain durable, stable, and fully functional - a testament to both material quality and skilled workmanship.
Later finished in an icy mottled blue specialist distressed finish, the surface has been sensitively applied to suit the architectural simplicity of the form. While it is never possible to recreate the patina of an untouched Georgian surface, this finish sits comfortably with the period, offering a fresh yet sympathetic perspective without compromising the integrity of the underlying structure. The “flesh and bones” remain entirely intact; only the outermost cosmetic layers have been updated.
Of particular note is the survival of the original hand-made brass hardware, including finely fretted backplates, elegant swan-neck loop handles, and original escutcheons - all correct to the period and beautifully proportioned. The chest stands on traditional Georgian bracket feet, grounding the piece with both visual balance and structural strength.
This is a sound, stable, and highly usable Georgian chest - equally suited to a classical interior or as a quietly confident contrast in a more contemporary setting.
Historical Context
Chests of drawers such as this became an essential feature of Georgian domestic interiors, valued for their practicality, durability, and restrained architectural elegance. Designed for bedrooms, dressing rooms, and family spaces, they reflect a period when craftsmanship, proportion, and longevity were paramount.
measurements
Height:
99 cm
Width:
99 cm
Depth:
48 cm
measurements
declaration
Whites Antiques has clarified that the Georgian Chest of Drawers 2 over 3 configuration later painted Icy Mottled Blue (LA557534) is genuinely of the period declared with the date/period of manufacture being circa 1760-1780