Antique cupboard – Mill House Antiques & Gardens

Did you know that Welsh dressers were not only for displaying one’s plates, but in some cases, chickens too?

Some ingenious cabinet maker probably under the direction of a mad cook tired of tramping outside to gather the day’s dinner made what is simply known as a chicken coop dresser. All the cook had to do is lift one of its gates, grab a hold of a sure to be squawking bird, plop it down on the work table, and grab the cleaver. Well, you know the rest of the story.

Not many of these dressers survived, as their popularity was not widespread. However, this fine example exhibits all the wonderful peculiarities of a coop dresser with its duplex structure and plate rack on the top. While rare, it can be discovered only at Mill House Antiques. More than an ordinary experience.

Did you know that a housekeeper’s cupboard was more than a place to store linens? These large and imposing pieces of furniture with drawers below and cabinets on top also stored the best china and glass, and occasionally, the more valuable staples, such as tea and coffee. Generally under lock and key, it was the head housekeeper, much like Mrs. Hughes in Downton Abbey, who oversaw the contents.

While most of these cupboards were utilitarian in their appearance, some were crafted to reflect the status of the household. Take this superb housekeeper’s cupboard with such fine details as mahogany crown moulding and banding, as well as a fusee clock. It must have come from a rather well-to-do manor house, but can only be found now at Mill House Antiques. More than an ordinary experience.

Tag: Antique cupboard

Did you know that Welsh dressers were used to keep chickens?

Did you know that a housekeeper’s cupboard was more than a place to store linens?