How do I care for mahogany?

Keep these items away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent the wood and veneer from drying out. Apply a traditional wax polish occasionally and buff gently with a soft cloth to maintain the surface sheen.

Where were these cabinets placed?

Larger presses and sideboards stood in bedrooms, dining rooms, and hallways for storing household textiles and provisions. Smaller pieces like spice cabinets and cellarettes sat on tables or sideboards in entertaining rooms.

How can I tell the period?

Examine the secondary timbers, construction joints, and the style of the brass hardware to determine the date. Revival pieces from the Edwardian era often show mechanical sawing marks and lighter interior woods compared to 18th-century originals.

What is satinwood used for?

Satinwood provides a pale, golden contrast to darker mahogany panels, often utilised in oval appliques and stringing. Its bright grain draws the eye to specific focal points on cabinet doors and drawer fronts.