Victorian W.F Needham’s Glazed Bamboo Cabinet

A wonderful and rare late 19th Century bamboo cabinet. Made by English firm W.F Needham. Made from Bamboo, with the original lacquer finish, beautiful Anaglypta to the sides and top, the glazed door opens with the original brass catch to reveal three shelves to the interior, (one shelf has been replaced at some stage) all set on elephant feet. The trade mark is stamped on a brass banding to the feet, “W.F Needham’s Patent Metal Jointed Bamboo Furniture” Circa 1890.

Needham, William Frederick Birmingham; bamboo furniture manufacturer (1886-1901)

This firm was one of the most important in the bamboo furniture trade, with factories at 69 Camden Street, Branston Street, Great Hampton Street and showrooms at Newhall Hill, Birmingham. The factory at 69 Camden Street consisted of a large three-storey building of 37,500 square feet where ‘every appliance adapted to expedite production and to insure good workmanship’ of bamboo and cane furniture was installed. This firm employed 240 workers (men & women) produced 4,000 pieces of furniture and 3,000 bamboo cornice poles per week by 1896.

This attractive bamboo Victorian glazed cabinet is a splendid example presented in very good condition.

Dimensions: H: 92cm W: 62cm D: 42cm