This writing cabinet, designed by Ashbee and made by Guild of Handicrafts members, is one of the most important of his pieces, and of very high quality. The cabinet has large decorative iron strap-hinges across the doors and pierced iron handles and lock plates mounted on vellum. The doors of the upper section open to reveal a contrasting pale interior inlaid with coloured woods in a design of tulips, which contains cupboards and drawers as well as a sliding top drawer.

Artists include

• Charles Robert Ashbee
• Guild of Handicraft

Provenance

Bought Vienna Secession Exhibition 1902; Private collection, Vienna 1902-83; bought Fischer Fine Art, London 1983.