Exceptional 17th Century English Oak Clothes Press or Wardrobe dated 1698

This is a beautiful early piece of English oak furniture with an original carved frieze of interlaced tulips and a central hand carved cartouche with the date 1698 and the initials IMKM.

Retaining the original riveted iron strap hinges to the doors and with original timbers throughout including the nailed up planked backboards, this beautiful cupboard is in excellent original condition and has a natural rich conker colour and a deep patina from years of use, wax and care.

The word wardrobe wasn't used until the 18th century and even then it was intended to describe a room where your clothes were hung rather than a piece of movable furniture. In medieval times clothes were hung over poles, and the pole and early descriptions state that clothes were hung over a 'press'. This cupboard is an early form of wardrobe for hanging clothes and storage of other items.

Names beginning with I were rare in most of the UK other than Wales and it is likely that this is a welsh press. Whether the press belonged to someone named Idris or Ivor or Ifan is now lost in the mists of time but this cupboard would have been an expensive commission and is beautifully made and fine quality details such as the multiple fielded and framed panels, dated frieze and substantial hand forged and shaped iron strap hinges.

A wonderful and rare survivor, made by hand more than 300 years ago and as good as the day it was made.