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.
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."
Paul Stack, Taree, NSW
""We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Jessica and Nick during our recent house renovations. The quality and knowledge of their furniture is fabulous and the restoration work (when needed) enhanced the look and feel of every item. Our chairs are beautiful and the new upholstery magnificent. The whole interior design process was handled by Jessica professionally and for a great price. Being located outside of Queensland was not an issue with all items personally delivered, quickly and safely, by Nick. Thanks to the team at Wallrocks our home is now more beautiful than ever!""
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.""
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. "