English Painted Bureau 18th Century

Name: English Painted Bureau
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1234381
Price: 2250 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectBureaux
Period18th century
StyleEnglish Country
MaterialPainted Wood, Brass
ColourOlive Green
MotifsSlant front, Brass swing handles, Keyhole escutcheons, Bracket feet
SizeH 104.5 cm (41 in) x W 94.5 cm (37 in) x D 52 cm (20 in)

This 18th-century English country style bureau is constructed from painted wood and finished in an olive green colour. The piece features a slant front that conceals a fitted interior, positioned above four graduating drawers equipped with brass swing handles and keyhole escutcheons. The drawer fronts display understated linear mouldings, while small turned wooden knobs accent the upper framing, and the whole assembly rests upon bracket feet with shaped aprons. The painted surface shows subtle weathering and variation across the wood grain that reflects its antique age. Measuring 104.5 cm high, 94.5 cm wide, and 52 cm deep, the bureau provides a compact writing desk and storage cabinet suitable for a living room, bedroom, or home study. In a contemporary interior, it functions as a practical workspace or traditional hallway console.

FAQs

An English painted bureau is an 18th or 19th-century writing cabinet featuring a sloped drop-down front over a series of long drawers, finished in a painted lacquer or wash rather than polished natural timber.

These pieces were typically constructed using native hardwoods or softwoods such as pine or oak as a base frame, finished with milk paint or oil-based pigments, and fitted with brass handles and escutcheons.

Authentic period bureaux feature hand-cut dovetail joints, original oak or pine drawer linings, aged brass hardware, and natural wear to the painted surface, particularly around hand-touch areas like edges and handles.

A painted bureau works as a functional focal point in a hallway, home office, or living room alcove, combining hidden desk functionality with vertical storage space.

Dust regularly with a dry, soft microfibre cloth and apply clear beeswax sparingly to preserve the painted patina without introducing harsh modern chemicals.

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