Examples of our work
Commodes
The word commode comes from the French language and means ‘convenient’ or ‘suitable’, and this in turn is derived from the Latin word commodus. Not to be mistaken for its English equivalent, which denotes a toilet, a French commode is indeed a very convenient piece of furniture, similar to a chest of drawers though lower and suitable for the general living rooms of the house as opposed to the bedroom, fitted with well-sized drawers used for storage. They were often elaborately shaped and decorated with inlays, ormolu, and marble.
As with many of our pieces, Wallrocks can custom restore to meet a clients specific requirements, whilst maintaining the integrity of each piece. Some of the less formal/country pieces might need little more than a wax, whilst formal marquetry antique commodes might need minor repairs along with a clean and re-polish, with attention being given to the handles, escutcheons and decorative mounts. All of this work is skillfully completed in our on site workroom.
When scouring the globe for our next shipment of antiques, it is an exciting moment when we chance upon a genuine pair of antique commodes. Whilst we usually have the fortune to find some single marquetry antique commodes of varying sizes and styles during our visits, it is quite the exception to be able to find a perfect pair. There is no doubt that many commodes would have started off as a pair, standing either side of a chimney breast, doorway or window pier in a fine 18th or 19th century house, but unfortunately over the course of time, as the pieces were handed down through the generations, the law of inheritance often meant that pairs were split.
Wallrocks has been lucky enough to have two or three pairs in the last few years, and none quite so magnificent as the pair shown in our before and after restoration gallery. Victims of time, dirt and sunlight, we have managed to bring these stunning pieces back to their full magnificence.
To view our available marquetry antique commodes please enquire.
Elizabeth Foster, Gold Coast, Qld
""Hello Jessica I just wanted to thank you ……I love the bed! It has surpassed all expectations. I am amazed at how beautiful it is. Please pass on this note to any who are considering buying an antique through “Wallrocks” It is encouraging to find people that can combine passion with their work and this was evident from the first time I stepped through the door at Wallrocks. Nick Wallrock’s qualifications and experience in sourcing antiques is demonstrated in the simple act of displaying the antiques in their natural un-restored state. Most insightful, as it allowed me to see the piece I intended to buy for what it truly is. Seeing restoration take place on site further bolstered my approval that the piece I bought would be given the respect it deserved. Lynden and Peter are truly gifted restorers as evident in the finished piece. I enjoyed talking with them and seeing their restoration work in progress. Visualising the finished piece in my home was an easy step to take with the assistance of Jessica Wallrock (Nick’s daughter). Jessica’s has a natural ability with style and taste. Jessica imparted to me that antiques are not only beautiful but also useful and easily incorporated into the modern home. I hope that your experience with “Wallrocks” is as rewarding as mine. To Jessica, Nick and everyone at Wallrocks…..Thank You. I look forward to dealing with you in the future.""
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. "
Samuel Wilkinson - Designer, Our Place, London, UK
"Thank you Jessica and the whole team at Wallrock’s Antiques, it was an absolute pleasure working with you. Without your ability and help in tracking down specific pieces that my client required for their federation era property I would have been lost. The quality of the pieces are first rate, the service amazing and whenever I had a gap in my project, it was Wallrock’s who I rang first. The great surprise was having Nick Wallrock personally deliver the items to site and have the opportunity to talk antiques, architecture and have his experienced eye cast over what we had been up to. There is an obvious passion for quality antiques and history throughout the multiple generations of Wallrock’s Antiques."
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.""
Doug Patrick, Melbourne, Victoria
""My wife and I met Jess and Nick at an antique exhibition in Melbourne in mid-2014. We had long been looking for a special piece of furniture for one of the rooms in our Victorian-era home, and we were delighted to find exactly what we wanted at the Wallrocks stand. Jess and Nick could not have been more informative and encouraging, and our precious item was duly delivered to us with great care and efficiency. In addition, and thanks to their extensive range of stock, Jess and Nick were able to source and deliver two further items which complemented our original purchase. Together, the three items have made a dramatic difference to our home. My experience with the Wallrock family has been very satisfying, and the efforts which they have made to establish an outstanding website will ensure that I am able to find more irresistible items in the future.""
Nerolie Withnall, BA LLB Company Director & Former Lawyer, Brisbane Australia
""I have been buying fine French and English antique furniture from Wallrocks Antiques for 20 years and I continue to do so. The antiques Nick brings from his many sources in the UK and France are always beautiful; where necessary restoration is carried out onsite with sensitivity and craftsmanship; all items are properly and honestly provenanced, and Nick is generous in sharing with his clients his deep knowledge and understanding of antiques and antique markets. I have been very happy with all of my dealings with Wallrock Antiques. My home, and my life have been enriched by their lovely furniture.""