Antique Whatnot, Irish, Burr Walnut, Mirror Stand Robert Strahan & Co c.1840

This is an antique whatnot, an Irish, burr walnut, three tier, mirror-back, display stand by the highly regarded Robert Strahan & Co. firm of Dublin, Ireland. Dating to the early to mid 19th Century and of exceptional quality befitting of such a renowned cabinet maker. The well figured, burr walnut displays beautifully in the lustrous wax polished finish. The three serpentine tiers feature chamfered profiles. Raised on inverted bell flower pillars, turned and carved. To the lower rear, expertly executed, intertwining 'C' scroll brackets. Riding upon mushroom legs over brass castors. The shaped mirror plate is framed in a complex moulding. Supported by a repetition of the pierced 'C' scroll brackets. Dressed with foliate carvings and surmounted by a pierced, stylised garland. A fine example of the firm's craftsmanship. Solid joints and construction, delivered waxed, polished and ready for the home. About Robert Strahan, Dublin Founded in 1776 as a cabinet maker, Robert Strahan & Co. grew to become one of Ireland's premiere furniture designers, exhibiting at The Great Industrial Exhibition of 1853 in Dublin. A walnut table, exhibited at the second London International Exhibition of 1862, showcased their talent for both design and manufacture. Bringing together marquetry, scrolling foliage, masks, strap work and cartouches in a piece of some merit; A fine piece displaying the influence of Thomas Hope and Richard Bridgens, it was illustrated in the Art Journal Illustrated Catalogue for the London exhibition. Designing and manufacturing for the Office of public works, they gained the reputation for high quality furniture and were commissioned to design and manufacture for some of the great Irish country houses such as Doneraile Court, Co. Cork and Lisnavagh, Co. Carlow. The Firm started out trading from 10-11 Chancery Lane. Move forward 39 years to 1815 and the firm had expanded in to 24-25 Henry Street. In 1845 it expanded further still into 5 Leicester Street. In 1870 the firm moved to Abbey Street trading under the family name until 1969.