Burr Wood Tallboy
Burr wood tallboy chests combine towering storage with the hypnotic, swirling figure of burr timber.
Burr Wood Tallboy
A burr wood tallboy is a high chest of drawers designed to maximise vertical storage while displaying striking timber patterns. You will encounter pieces spanning several centuries, from seventeenth-century William and Mary examples to twentieth-century revivals.
The selections here range across multiple forms including tall chests, chests on chests, and linen presses. Many pieces showcase figured timbers like walnut, yew, and birch arranged in stacked drawer configurations.
How they were made
Cabinet makers utilised decorative veneers sliced from tree growths known as burrs, laid over solid carcases of oak or pine. These intricate grain patterns were meticulously matched and glued to drawer fronts and door panels.
Brass handles, escutcheons, and hinges were fitted to complement the dark, figured surfaces. Carpenters employed traditional dovetail joints on the drawer constructions to ensure structural endurance.
What varies in quality
The sophistication of the timber figure dictates much of the visual hierarchy, with dense, evenly distributed burr patterns commanding attention over plain grains. The precision of the veneer matching across drawer fronts reveals the maker's skill.
Original surface patination and the retention of period brass hardware influence the integrity of each piece. Proportions and the crispness of executed mouldings further separate standard workshop production from finer examples.
S Mordan & Co
The Burr Wood Tallboy Glossary
- Burr wood
- Timber harvested from a tree growth or burl where the grain has grown in a deformed, swirling manner. This produces highly decorative patterns prized by cabinet makers.
- Tallboy
- A tall chest of drawers, often constructed as one chest stacked upon another or as a single tall vertical unit. It provides substantial drawer space while occupying a modest floor footprint.
- Veneer
- A thin slice of ornamental wood applied over a secondary timber carcase. This technique allowed craftsmen to utilise expensive figured timbers economically.
- Secretaire
- A desk disguised as a chest of drawers or cabinet, featuring a drop-front writing flap that conceals small compartments and pigeonholes. It merges workspace with domestic storage.
Burr Wood Tallboy: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tallboy?
A tallboy is a high chest of drawers designed to provide ample vertical storage without taking up excessive floor space.
These pieces typically feature multiple stacked drawers, sometimes built as a chest on chest configuration.
How do I care for burr walnut?
Keep burr walnut furniture away from direct sunlight and radiators to prevent the timber and veneer from drying out.
Apply a light application of traditional wax polish occasionally to maintain the lustre of the surface.
What periods do these come from?
The listings span from the seventeenth century through to the twentieth century, including Georgian and Art Deco periods.
Revival pieces from the early twentieth century also feature prominently alongside earlier originals.
How are drawers constructed?
Drawers in these pieces use traditional hand-cut dovetail joinery to secure the sides to the front and back.
Secondary timbers like oak or pine are frequently used for the internal drawer linings.