Armoire Archives • Ébénisterie Mathieu Vath

Wedding wardrobe from Bayeux with swans

October 30, 2025October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathCupboard, Solid Wood, oak, furniture restoration

Lightening the finish on a Bayeux wedding armoire. It is distinguished by its motifs of swans, figures, and hunting and musical attributes. Made of quarter-sawn oak, also known as "merrain," it comes from the Caen plain and dates from the first half of the 19th century. We lightened the wax finish to remove the multiple layers of tinted wax that darkened the entire piece. This work revealed the magnificent honey-blond hue of the oak and enhanced the exceptional carving of […]

Regency-style wardrobe stamped MIGEON

October 9, 2025October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathCupboard, violet wood, Louis XV, Rio Rosewood, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, library display case, 18th century

Restoration of a Regency-style cabinet, likely from the 1740s, stamped Pierre IV Migeon. It can also be used as a bookcase. Its frame is made of oak and softwood. It is entirely veneered with kingwood, rosewood on the top, and walnut on the interior. The doors feature butterfly-wing friezes. In contrast, the sides display a square pattern, typical of Migeon. A semi-circular brass molding borders the ogee cornice. Finally, brass fluting, ending in discs, adorns […]

Louis XVI wardrobe

October 26, 2024October 27, 2026 Mathieu Vathamaranth, Cupboard, rosewood, Louis XVI, Veneering - Marquetry, furniture restoration, Louis XVI style, 18th century

Restoration by Raphaël of a rosewood veneered cabinet with diamond-pointed doors, framed in amaranth and Greek key stringing. It opens with two large softwood doors veneered with oak. Some regluing and repairs of missing veneer, along with a good coat of clear French polish, have restored this piece of furniture to its former glory.

Wardrobe of Bretteville the Proud

March 9, 2023October 27, 2026 Mathieu VathCupboard, Solid Wood

It was in the mid-17th century that what we now call the Norman wardrobe originated. But it was in the 18th century that it took on the characteristic form we know today. With its two doors, cabriole legs, and wide cornice with broad sculpted decoration, it combines Louis XV structure and style with Louis XVI motifs. At that time, economic and social stability allowed for a certain improvement in living standards. The wardrobe then found its way into bourgeois and peasant homes. The 19th century would be the golden age of the Norman wardrobe. Destined […]