Unique Liberty & Co Marked Great Arts & Crafts Cabinet Attr. to Leonard Wyburd

We are certain that this wonderful handcrafted, stained oak cabinet was designed by Leonard Francis Wyburd (1865-1958). We are certain, because of several style elements that are typical for his designs for Liberty & Co in the late 19th century. We have no pictures in books or other evidence, but the pieces from his hand that can be found on the internet reveal style elements that are very similar and they were used by no one else. The design of this incredibly artistic piece shows both the influences of Medieval and Rural Britain. It were these early and amazing pieces of furniture from the Liberty Studio (headed by Wyburd) that made people across the continent speak of the ‘Stile Liberty’. Designers like Wyburd and pieces of furniture like this amazing cabinet, influenced and shaped the entire development of the Jugendstil and Art Nouveau in Europe. That too makes this rare piece important for collectors and possibly for museums around the world.

This cupboard is a work of art and it is an absolute joy to look at. It is all made of solid and stained oak and apart from the stunning and impressive overal design with the overhanging top with supporting beams, there are some key style elements that make this cabinet really stand out. First of all, there is the ever so true saying which is embossed in copper in beautiful Arts and Crafts letters which reads ‘WELCOME IS THE BEST CHEER’. Secondly, there are the rare leather panels in the doors which come with (faded) images in slight reliëf. The one on the left is of a man in a hat and tights and he is playing a mandolin. The leather artwork on the right shows (what looks to be) a female wearing a skirt and she is holding a tray. We have not figured out (yet) what is on the tray. Thirdly, there is the stunning designed and executed, brass handle on the drawer.

In our opinion this historically important piece can only go to a museum or a private collector who has the right, Arts and Crafts, home for it. It is very practical in size and it can be taken apart, because it is build up in 3 pieces. . .the ‘roof’, the middle section with the doors and the base with the drawer. It may be difficult to see in our pictures, but the open base (below the drawer) does have a closed back in the section just below the drawer. . .the sides below the drawer are all open. By the way, the ivorine label of Liberty of London is attached to the inside of the drawer. Furthermore, the inside of this cabinet is just as clean and beautiful as the outside and both the doors and the drawer still open and close perfectly. This cabinet can nowadays be used for all kinds of purposes and it will really make an impression. . .wherever it stands.

Mind you, professional packaging and delivery from our store to your door in 4 days is free.
Maximum height x width x depth: 74 x 51.5 x 21.5 inches.

We have a passion for the unique, for quality, for stylish yet practical and for craftsmanship of years gone by. All purchases will be extremely well packaged and we look forward to serving you (again),

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