Buy into the burr wood trend with furniture at auction
23 February 2024 Burr wood (or burl in the US) is wood that has unusual markings due to a deformity when the tree was growing.
William & Mary cabinet on stand.
The resulting wood is highly prized and has been used in furniture and objects for hundreds of years. Wood including oak and yew have been used, with burr walnut most popular.
Last month the Financial Times published an article on ‘Why burr wood furniture has its groove back’ and highlighted the increased demand from collectors and interior designers.
Frequently used in fine antique furniture, the wood became popular in the Art Deco period and again in the 1970s.
Here is a selection of five lots coming up at online auction.
William & Mary cabinet on stand
This c.1690 William & Mary burr yew and walnut crossbanded cabinet on stand is part of the Drew Pritchard sale at Dreweatts on March 5-6. It is estimated at £8000-12,000.
Bureau
This 20th century walnut and burr walnut bureau (with minor chips and losses to the veneer) is estimated at £50-80 at Mellors & Kirk on March 5-7.
Mouseman wardrobe
This 1930s burr oak panelled small wardrobe by Robert Mouseman Thompson (1876-1955) was made for Kate Elwell, Robert Thompson's secretary. It is estimated at £3000-5000 at Tennants on March 2.
Writing slope
A Victorian brass bound burr walnut writing slope, estimated at £50-70 at Adam Partridge on February 28-March 1.
Art Deco sideboard
The Art Deco trend for burr wood took hold and this example c.1920s/30s is a Belgian De Coene Art Deco sideboard. In burr wood and rosewood with silverplated mountings and a marble top it is estimated at €500-1000 at DVC Auctions on March 2-3.
