Arts & Crafts bureau by G.M Ellwood

A superb rare piece of cabinet furniture by English Architect/ designer George Montague Ellwood (1875 - 1955). Made in Mahogany with pewter, fruitwoods and aluminium for the handle back plates( considered a very new material in cabinet fittings).For the bureau interior , cedar is used.

Wonderful marquetry panels of a maiden and two doves in the art nouveau style. The fall front writing surface is finished in leather skiver , possibly fitted 30 or so year ago but remains in fair to good condition with some markings.

The structure is strong with no loose joints . There are some marks to the surface above the two draws .

The french polish appears original: some lightness to this is at the front (writing flap, doors) from sunlight but does not deter from the overall beauty of the piece. Two keys are supplied for all three working locks.

The design of the bureau does show some Scottish influence but in fact was made by art furniture cabinet makers, J.S.Henry, London around 1900. An advert in The Studio magazine dated 1903 in fact shows off this piece.

Size 145cm height, 108cm width, 40cm depth.

Price £3950 includes UK mainland delivery.

George Montague Ellwood [also known as G.M. Ellwood and as George Ellwood] was born in Islington, London, England in 1875 and studied at Camden School of Art, the Royal College of Art in London. and in Paris, Vienna, Berlin and Dresden. He subsequently worked as an architect, furniture designer, poster artist and illustrator. In 1897 he won the gold medal for his furniture designs at the National Competition, South Kensington. He was one of the founding members of the 'Guild of Art Craftsmen',

Ellwood's designs for J S Henry were exhibited at the 1900 Paris Exhibition and won a silver medal. Between 1899 and 1915 he also exhibited at the the Royal Academy and Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours in London and at the Paris Salon. He designed for Bath Cabinetmakers and the Bristol based firm of Trapnell and Gane. He later traded as Ellwood & Sledmere. He was editor of Drawing and Drawing and Design magazine and was the author of a number of books on drawing, design and advertising.