Examples of our work
Antique Cabinets
Over our many years retailing antiques in Australia, Wallrocks has been fortunate enough to see some of the most magnificent English and French antique cabinets of all shapes, sizes and styles, and each have been respectfully restored. We have detailed a number of the before and after photos in this restoration gallery, and it is apparent that each cabinet is entirely unique.
Cabinetmaking was absolutely an art form involving incredibly complex techniques such as creating ormolu, marquetry, parquetry, veneering and lacquering. In the 17th century, the term “ebeniste” was introduced to describe the craftsmen who hand tooled these wonderfully decorative pieces of furniture using exotic overseas timbers. The word itself was derived from the first use of the rare and expensive wood Ebony, which was imported into France for use in veneers and inlays. It was a highly specialised industry, and whilst the term has lived on and is still used in modern day Europe, most of these skills have disappeared.
Along with the beautiful examples of marquetry and parquetry inlays, French antique cabinets were often further embellished with elaborate metal mounts, and this was a specialised trade in itself. The ciseleurs-fondeurs were the craftsmen responsible for casting and finishing the mounts, whilst the doreurs were responsible for gilding the metalwork. The Wallace Collection in London has wonderful examples of how this process was achieved. We endeavour to buy pieces that retain most of their original gilt and is something we look for when establishing authenticity.
When all of the right elements of proportion, materials and workmanship are combined in a French antique cabinet, the overall effect is stunning, and results in a beautiful piece of furniture which can take pride of place in almost any room in a modern home.
To find out more about the restoration on any of our cabinets, please enquire.
Jannene Madden, Melbourne, Victoria
""Recently I went online searching for a particular piece of furniture and found an interesting piece at Wallrocks in Brisbane. It so happened I had planned a trip to Brisbane and upon entering the store, was very impressed with the quality of their pieces. Nick kindly offered to include my chosen piece in his next delivery to Melbourne, whereby I could place the piece insitu to ensure I was totally happy with the size and appearance. He was also happy to take the furniture back to Brisbane if it did not suit my space. Of course the piece was absolutely perfect and is a much treasured piece adorning my home.""
Joan Greenwood, Warrick
""Every item has arrived in excellent condition and beautifully restored. Thank you both for the pleasure you and your antiques have brought and continue to delight me and my family. It is a pleasure to do business with Wallrocks.""
Narissa Perks - Director NT Corporate, Perth WA
"Hi Jessica I have been meaning to drop you an email to thank both yourself and Nick for all your help with the bed and bedside tables. It has been a pleasure dealing with you both and I am just so thrilled with the bed and the tables. They both complement each other so well, I couldn't be more pleased. The restoration of all the items looks amazing and Nick's instructions for assembly were very helpful. It now feels like we are staying in a luxury hotel every night! I would have no hesitation in purchasing items through you again or in recommending you to friends. I am just so pleased with the purchase. I admit that I was somewhat apprehensive making such a large purchase on an item I had only seen on your website and I hoped it looked every bit as good in real life (it did!), especially given I hadn't told my husband about it! Thankfully he loved it when I did the big reveal. The photos were fantastic and your professionalism set me at ease. "