Victorian Walnut Corner Whatnot

A very pretty and extremely useful mid 19th Century four tier burr walnut corner whatnot with open fretwork to the top and the shaped shelves which are all supported on fine barley twist columns, the whole raised on turned feet. Height: 51”, 130 cms / Width across front: 24”, 61 cms / Depth into corner: 18”, 46 cms The passion for collecting and displaying ornamental objects that began in the 18th century and was widespread in the 19th stimulated the production in England of this whimsically named piece of furniture. The French version was called the étagère. Some examples contain drawers at the base.