This seven drawer Kauri pine duchess chest was made by C W Purnell of Geelong in around 1895. Found in one of the drawers are several letters and Christmas cards addressed to Linda Winter of Bailey St Belmont. The house at 1-17 Bailey St, known as "Timboon" (now demolished), was the home of Frederick and Ada Winter and their family. The eldest child was Fritz Wilfred Winter (1898-1976), who like most young boys, carved his initials into the top of the chest. Frederick's parents were German immigrants who settled in the area now known as Grovedale, but was originally known as Germantown.
Standing on four turned feet, it consists of five larger drawers with pine knobs, and two small drawers, topped with a swing mirror. It stands 1.955 m high, measures 1.01 m wide and is .465 m deep. The condition is very good-it has retained its original patina and the drawer slides have been restored.
Charles Willian Purnell (1854-1931) was born in Geelong and took over his father's cabinet making business in 1889. He ran it until 1931 when his eldest son took over. Their workshop, showroom and residence (now demolished) was at 67 Little Ryrie St., Geelong - see page 106 "Australian Furniture Pictorial History and Dictionary 1788 - 1938" K Fahy and A Simpson.
Color
Brown
Style
Victorian
Material
Pine
Condition
Good
Dimensions (cm)
46.0W x 100.0D x 200.0H
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