Relevant categories: Cabinets and Chests,Bookcases
(Above photo - Wonderful antique Canterbury in walnut )
A Canterbury is a piece of furniture that serves as a stand for keeping envelopes, magazines, papers, portfolios, and so on. It is basically an open-topped stand with divisions and compartments to carry different types of items. Some of them had slatted partitions complete with a drawer just below.
(Above photo - Victorian Etagere Table Antique Walnut 1860 ) These pieces of furniture first sprang up in England in 1780 and were made from mahogany. In the succeeding century, designers used walnut and rosewood. Variations of the Canterbury were taller than previously envisioned. Instead of pure wood, they were made using brass or metals mixed with wood.
Why the name ‘Canterbury’? Thomas Sheraton says the first pieces were made upon the orders of a bishop of the see. No one would have expected a piece of furniture that was first used in church to be so famous by the 1860s.
History of the Canterbury
(Above photo - Antique Burr Walnut Canterbury Magazine Rack ) In 1780, the Archbishop of Canterbury commissioned the very first piece of this type of furniture. No need to repeat that the name ‘Canterbury’ sprang from there onwards. In 19th-century Victorian and Edwardian periods, the popularity of the Canterbury grew tremendously. It was not uncommon to find Canterbury in homes of the well-to-do families.
It was mostly put in the living room fr occasional use. Primarily it served decorative purposes and was meant to impress visitors to the home. Some people used these pieces to provide sheet music.
In What Form Was The Canterbury?
(Above photo - Victorian Mahogany Canterbury Magazine Stand ) The Canterbury often featured turned finials on a frame with a delightful figure. Most had inlays of elegant decorations. The divided compartments could hold books, newspapers, and magazines. Each chamber had its supports turned upright. A with most other types of furniture, the Canterbury existed in varying levels of quality. At its very best, they featured high-quality blind fretwork all around them.
At the base, there was a narrow drawer. It had a tiny turned handle so that the user could easily pull it out and push it back in. If you were to buy one today, the drawer would be perfect for storing all your remote controls. The feet supporting the entire structure were made from the finely-tuned bun. Some even had brass castors and porcelain wheels. It was extremely easy to more the Canterbury around because of that.
Today, the Canterbury is a sought after piece of furniture. Many people are buying antique pieces, while others want the newer ones. No matter how old your article looks, it will be a lovely addition to your home décor. Visitors to your home will find these furniture pieces to be very attractive. But that’s not all. The Canterbury is also instrumental, as we have already seen.
(Above photo - Victorian Canterbury Antique Walnut 1870 Magazine Book Rack ) If you want a Canterbury today, don’t hesitate to check out the stock we have in our shop. We can assure you of the best quality pieces of furniture that will meet all of your needs. Our prices are competitive and our customer service unmatched.
We look forward to serving you!
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