Art Nouveau is a style of design which retains its popularity, though originating from the late 19th century. It flowered across Europe from around 1890 and found its home in Britain in the famous Liberty & Co store in London.
Its associated swirling designs and bright colours can be see most especially in the inset ceramic panels in this lot (FS18/856), though the rest almost veers towards the Arts and Crafts movement, which overlapped it in period and, to some degree, in style.
A Shapland and Petter late Victorian/Edwardian oak wardrobe (FS18/856)
The Barnstaple firm of Shapland and Petter were also great proponants of Art Nouveau in their day and produced many stylish pieces like this splendid wardrobe (FS18/856).
Being crafted from oak in the Art Nouveau taste, it is applied throughout with beaten patinated metal strap hinges and knobs. The arched mirrored door is flanked by two panelled doors each inset with a tile picture depicting a peacock. The tiles are marked Flaxman to the reverse. It really is a wonderful example of the quality produced by Shapland and Petter during the late Victorian/Edwardian period. The pre-sale estimate is £1,500-£2,000 and it is being offered in the Quarterly Fine Sale on 25th April 2013 in Okehampton Street, Exeter, Devon.
