Arts and Crafts Oak Sideboard by Ambrose Heal for Heal & Son

A rare Arts and Crafts oak buffet sideboard to an early design by Ambrose Heal (1872-1959), displaying the influence of both Liberty & Co and Charles Voysey.

The top comprises an inlaid cushion frieze inscribed with the motto "Old Friends and Old Wine Are Best", over twin sliding glazed cabinet doors featuring distinctive bullseyes; further enclosed by bi-fold doors with stylised copper mounts. Sat atop a base section with panelled back, comprising a central frieze drawer over twin panelled cupboard doors with decorative copper strap hinges, either side of a central recess. Raised on baluster legs to the front, plain rectangular section supports to the rear, united by stretchers.

Breaks down into two parts for ease of transportation. In excellent condition with sympathetic restoration to legs, functioning locks and original key.

Circa 1898.

Appears in Jeremy Cooper: Victorian and Edwardian Furniture and Interiors from the Gothic Revival to Art Nouveau, Thames and Hudson, 1987, page 240.

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Ambrose Heal first joined the furniture trade after completing his education at Marlborough College and the Slade School of Fine Art in 1890, becoming an apprentice cabinet maker with the respected Warwick firm of Collier and Plucknett. Two years later he went to work for a few months at Graham & Biddle of Oxford Street, London to gain commercial experience and thence joined the family firm, Heal & Son in 1893. Heal’s had been established in 1810 and originally specialised in bedroom furniture. Ambrose (Junior) soon became a driving force in the business and his designs began to appear in the windows of their shop on Tottenham Court Road, London in 1896.

Initially, his designs were eclectic, including inlaid pieces adorned with inscriptions, like this one, as well as the simpler solid oak “cottage” furniture for which the firm later became renowned. Metalwork was made in-house and was of high quality. Heal’s used the best machinery possible, whilst still giving free expression to the craftsmanship originally inspired by William Morris. Thus, Ambrose Heal is now regarded as a successful modern designer who was not bound by the Arts and Crafts Movement’s adherence to hand-crafting, making the style affordable to the middle classes.