Large Antique Solid Oak and Painted Dark Blue Chest of Drawers with Original Castors and Solid Brass Handles
 
'Cooper' is a beautiful antique 2 over 2 solid oak Arts & Crafts style chest of drawers painted in a deep navy (Midnight Blue/Ash mix) Fusion Mineral Paint.  The pretty filigree work and original brass and Bakelite castors make this an unusual piece.  It probably started life as a dressing table in a bedroom set of furniture and still shows the original maker’s mark (Robert Johnson & Co Furnishers & Decorators Leicester) on the back panel.
 
The solid oak top has been sanded and finished with clear satin Osmo oil to show off the natural grain to its full beauty.  The dark navy colour is set off by the stunning original solid brass handles and the drawer interiors (solid oak liners and mahogany sides) that have been painted in eye popping Dixie Bell Honky Tonk Red.  All the liners are in good condition and the drawers retain their original locks although sadly no keys.
 
This piece is antique and has been lovingly updated hence it still shows signs of its heritage but retains all of its charm. I have tried to show the condition in the photos but please ask if you require more information.
 
I just love that I managed to research the original makers back to this photograph of Granby Street, Leicester in around 1920!  It’s so rare to find makers marks that can be traced like this and I couldn’t wait to include it here.   See the historical photo included and the bystory below.  Just check out that Peaky Blinder Cap bottom right!!
 
Photo information:
This view of Granby Street, Leicester, looking towards Gallowtree Gate and the Clock Tower, dates from around 1920. During this inter-war period, motor vehicles had made a tentative appearance on the city’s streets and two can be seen in this photograph.
 
Note that the street lighting was suspended on cables above the tram wires, all of which are stretched between the same poles. Shop signs which dominate the scene include one advertising Raleigh Cycles and another for house furnishers Robert Johnson and Co.
 
The chief mode of public transport for most people in those days was still very much the tram. A pushcart and two horse-drawn vehicles can also just be made out. As with buses today, firms were quick to see the benefit of advertising their products on something that was going to be seen by a great many people as it moved around various routes in the city.
In this photo, the tram is emblazoned with an advertising poster for popular meat extract Bovril, which has clearly stood the test of time as it’s still on our supermarket shelves today. The pavements are packed with pedestrians, many smartly attired and almost all wearing some kind of headgear. One lady even appears to be sporting a fur.
 
Judging by the coats being worn, it appears the photograph was taken in the winter, early spring or late autumn, although the amount of sun awnings that have been pulled out over the front of the shop windows suggests it was a sunny day.