More about Devon chests
The Devon chest subject is so large that I can keep going. There’s lots of them. While searching the web I mostly find two sources - my own blog(s) and Paul Fitzsimmon’s site Marhamchurch Antiques. I’ve said before, Paul’s been very generous to me, sending me photos and answering questions. If I ever get back to England, I hope to go down & meet him in person.
One chest I “found” on the web is in Memphis, TN - at the Brooks Museum there. (their photo - I wish it was better). Great panel carvings - center one initialed and dated - TB 1672. But all the framing parts have the simplest carving possible - all V-tool, no background removal.
It’s pretty common for this group to combine very detailed carvings with such simple patterns. Here’s one I saw in an American collection 20 years ago - with a New England/Ipswich box on top. Same gig on the chest, though. Panels well-carved, framing parts all V-tool, no background.
a detail shot
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