Wonderful Edwardian Oak Compactum c.1910

A very charming and individual antique oak compactum from the Edwardian period circa 1910. The compactum was very popular around the early 20th century and was designed to be a ‘compact’ all-in-one wardrobe. Different from many ordinary styles of wardrobe with just rails and hangers, this compactum combines multiple different storage features in a single piece of furniture including a mix of clothes-hanging space, drawers, shelves and, in this case, two bevelled mirrors. The design focuses on maximising the use of limited space, making it a very practical and efficient storage solution. In addition to this, it is decorative and a lovely piece of furniture for any room. In very attractive medium rich oak quite typical of the Edwardian period – a contrast to the darker heavier mahogany customarily used by the Victorians in earlier periods – it also has the benefit of some most attractive decorative features including simple yet elegant overhanging cornice with carved frieze and a small cupboard with a carved floral/foliate/acanthus pattern. To the side of and underneath this cupboard are open shelf spaces with two decorative turned pillars which help to lighten the whole effect and prevent it being unduly cumbersome in appearance. The cupboard below has extremely useful and accessible slides/sliding trays in the form used in linen presses (and in old style drapers’ shops) but very unusual in a compactum. There are two attractive metal finials in the shape of urns on the top corners to complete the overall effect. Although ostensibly a largish piece of furniture, in fact, because the top is lower by 19cm at each end with a height of 195cm and rises to its full height of 214cm for only a short width, it is not overpowering at all as an ordinary wardrobe can be and is extremely well organised and endlessly useable. And at a depth of 52cm (a mere 1ft 8.5 ins) it is not in the least cumbersome or bulky and fits into smaller spaces. Historically speaking, the compactum has its roots in the concept of "multum in parvo (Lat)” or the idea of storing much in little and referring to space-saving furniture from the 18th century onwards. Usually made in high quality woods and featuring intricate details, they were designed and built to last. And this compactum bears this out entirely! Maker None. Furniture of this type does not generally carry a maker’s mark. Mark There are no markings as to manufacture. Year c.1910 Material  Medium rich oak Shipping We use trusted couriers in the UK and across the World. Purchases are very carefully wrapped and packed using high quality packing materials. Shipments are fully insured and sent at the risk of Chapman Pugh Ltd. Please be aware that there maybe customs and/or tax payments due on the parcels arrival in the buyers country. This varies from country to country. Any additional customs and/or tax payments are the responsibility of the buyer. ALL SHIPPING COSTS ARE REFUNDED IF LESS THAN STATED BELOW: Shipping Costs: United Kingdom £95.00 Central Europe estimated £250.00 Eastern Europe estimated £250.00 United States estimated £650.00 All Other Zones estimated £750.00