Top 10 Furniture

The furniture acquired by the Bowes’ is mainly European in origin, and has pieces dating from the fifteenth century. The Bowes Museum continues to collect, in particular important pieces of French furniture and high quality pieces related to the international exhibitions of the nineteenth century, including a mirror by the Barbedienne foundry with figures modelled by the sculptor Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse that was exhibited in 1867 in Paris.

Marquetry panel, c1690 mounted in an English cabinet, c1780 (1685/1695) by Andre-Charles Boulle and Mayhew & InceThe Bowes Museum

Born in Paris, the son of a Dutch cabinet maker, Andre-Charles Boulle (1642-1732) is often regarded as the greatest cabinet maker of all time. Made of ebony, inlaid with wood of various shades and colours and beautifully representing flowers, birds and various animals.

Lady's Writing Table (1760/1770) by Martin CarlinThe Bowes Museum

This writing table appears to be a prototype for a series of 'bonheurs de jour' to be made by Carlin between 1765 and 1774. This small writing desk is veneered in tulipwood on oak.

Pair of Gilt Bronze Fire Dogs (1730/1740) by Artist unknownThe Bowes Museum

In Classical mythology Vulcan was blacksmith to the gods, and thus was a suitable character to decorate the hearth. They would originally have been attached to long, curing fire-irons.

Wardrobe (1850/1860) by MonbroThe Bowes Museum

This wardrobe is veneered in tulipwood and decorated with both wood and metal marquetry. One of the grandest pieces acquired by the Bowes, it is likely to be Monbro’s but is not identifiable from bills.

Music Cabinet (1895/1899) by Liberty & Co.The Bowes Museum

Made of Mahogany, with marquetry of several woods this music cabinet was produced by Liberty & Co. It was possibly created to a design by Leonard F Wyburd.

Lady Mary Eleanor Bowes' Botanical Cabinet (1775/1785) by Artist unknownThe Bowes Museum

Clock in the form of a celestial globe (1715/1725) by Martin a ParisThe Bowes Museum

The plinth veneered in ebony with boulle marquetry, with 19th century restorations.

Candelabra (1822/1824) by William CollinsThe Bowes Museum

William Collins undertook a large commission to supply of decorative bronze work for the first floor parade rooms at Northumberland House.

Bed (1845/1855) by Artist unknownThe Bowes Museum

Carved and gilt wood bed with separate canopy upholstered in silk brocade woven with red and white flowers on a blue ground, in wide strips separated by a twisted ribbon motif.

Secretaire (1855/1855) by Monbro et fils âinéThe Bowes Museum

This is very similar in form to fall-front writing desks made by Jean-Francois Dubut, Veneered in walnut with cross-banding on a carcase of oak. The lower tier, is cusped bracket feet consists of two long and two short drawers with brass drop handles and escutcheons surmounted by coronets.

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