Late 17thC / Early 18thC English Antique Elm Close Stool

This piece is an elegant domestic deception. From the front it appears to be a small chest of two short drawers over one long, with a moulded top and bracket feet joined by a shaped apron. The drawer fronts are dummies, however. The hinged plank top lifts to reveal the true purpose of the piece: a close stool, or night stool, which would have held a pewter or earthenware pan for use in the bedchamber.

Close stools were among the more private items of household furniture of the late Stuart and early Georgian period. Their makers often went to some lengths to disguise them as boxes, stools or, as here, chests of drawers. The disguise let them sit discreetly in a bedchamber or closet. It is also why so few survive in their original form, since many were later converted or broken up once their purpose had passed. This example keeps the faux drawer front, and with it the character of the piece.

The timber is the outstanding feature. The top and sides are cut to show the swirling, lively figure for which country elm is valued. Age and polish have mellowed it to a deep amber-red, with darker tones in the grain. Close stools of this kind were made on both sides of the Channel, so an English origin is offered as the strong probability, without excluding a Continental maker.

Today it makes a characterful bedside or lamp table, with hidden storage beneath the lid. It is also an engaging piece of social history.

Provenance - Ex-private collection, Great Yarmouth, England.

Material: Elm.

Condition: Good. The surface has a rich, mellowed colour under an old polish. There are knocks, abrasions and shrinkage consistent with age and use. The knob handles to the faux drawers are possibly later. The plank lid opens on its hinges. Please inspect in person or request further images of the interior.

Size: Width 49.5cm  x Depth 42cm x Height 49.5cm (19 1/2 x 16 1/2 x 19 1/2")