A 17th Century Joined Oak Chest With Original Red Polychromy .

Joined oak chest with original polychromy, probably constructed in the same workshop in which Thomas Dennis apprenticed in Ottery St.Mary Exeter.

Traces of original red polychromy, tripple panels carved with botantical flowers the central panel has a pair of birds flanking the stem with S-scrolls to the muntin and rails.

Victor Chinnery dedicates 7 pages to Thomas Dennis in Oak Furniture The British Tradition pages 503-510

I was fortunate enough to help at the DISCOVERING DENNIS exhibition held by Marhamchurch Antiques at The Guild Hall Exeter on 4th and 5th November 2009 .This was an exhibition of 16 chests produced in and around Exeter by the joiner Thomas Dennis who was known for his specific style of carving.

This chest which is from the same group and shows the Dennis style botanical motifs and Exeter jewel strapwork is similar to the dated chest on page 31 of the catalogue for DISCOVERING DENNIS the search for Thomas Dennis among the artisans of Exeter .Showing heavy traces of red polychromy and identically constructed, but this example is the first i have seen with a pair of birds to the center panel .I know of another chest from this region with birds to all three panels but stylistically the S-scrolls are more uniformed and the design more complex than this example which displays the loose style of traditional Dennis carving .

So is it the first from the workshop or the second from the region i will keep investigating.

Typical Exeter selection of timber and construction methods.

The two front legs have ancient repairs in the same area and are secured with iron brackets , the panels have infills this is typical of these chests due to the timber used and there is an iron bar to the internal center of the chest due to a slight bowing of the top rail.Original base boards and two plank lid.

33.5" High

53" Wide

23" Deep

A chest of good proportions and one for the collector as i say the second bird panel example Discovered ..

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