Regency chest of drawers

Ebénisterie Mathieu Vath

Originating in the late 17th century but only acquiring its name in the early 18th century, this is the first classic model of a commode. Although typically Louis XIV in style, it may not have existed before the Regency period. With rounded corner pilasters with slightly convex faces, deep copper fluting, veneer, and geometric bronze mounts, it features three rows of drawers. It perpetuates the spirit of Louis XIV furniture throughout much of the 18th century.

Bibliography: French and European Furniture from the Middle Ages to the Present Day – Pierre Kjellberg – Les éditions de l'Amateur

This chest of drawers is made of fir and veneered with rosewood. It arrived at the workshop in fairly good condition. There were a few small areas where the veneer was missing and, as usual, significant dehydration of all the glues.

Ebénisterie Mathieu Vath
Upon his arrival at the workshop

The restoration therefore consisted of regenerating all the adhesives by infiltrating all the veneered surfaces and pressing them for several days. The few missing veneers were then replaced with rosewood veneer that was sawn, scraped, and sanded, then cut to the correct thickness before being glued with hot glue. The drawers were adjusted so that they function perfectly and do not damage the front veneers.

Ebénisterie Mathieu Vath
Gluing the veneer grafts with hot glue

The varnish was then thinned and reapplied with several coats of colorless French polish. The bronzes were cleaned with Panama wood and then returned to their original positions.

Ebénisterie Mathieu Vath
After restoration

To see previous restorations : https://ebenisterie-mathieuvath.fr/en-ce-moment-a-latelier/

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