Featured Antique Wardrobe - What should I do with it?

Good morning all!

Long story, but I'm in Australia and whilst I definitely have an appreciation for antiques, I'm not a huge fan of having them around for daily living (impractical generally).

I bought an older house in 2015 and the previous owner left one item of furniture. An old, very large 3 section wardrobe with draws, a large mirror and some rather basic but charmer early Australian carvings (Think Kookaburras, sun, native plants).

The wardrobe is large and as I've been renovating the house, I've simply left the wardrobe undisturbed until now. I have considered a few options - firewood? White wash it and hope it finds a place? or dispose of it. Having taken a closer look, it became clearer that it was old and of good quality/condition. My instincts stopped me doing anything to the wardrobe - and having looked at the craftsmanship involved, it felt wrong to make any changes.

So here I am - wondering - what do I do with it - surly a nice item like this belongs with someone who can truely appreciate it... where do I start?

I found a sticker in the back of the inside with the carpenters name and address. The maker was R. T. Carter of 404 George Street, Sydney. I found out more about him as he has an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, and he seems to be well regarded in Australia. However, I don't know what to do next?

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

we have some Aussies here.....maybe they know the best way to get out from under , down under !!

it is quite a nice piece ...

 

If I had that I'd give it a good wax and store clothes in it.

 

what is your location ie north south east west within what state....there will be interest in signed Australian furniture..( not me )...but i may be able to refer you to a reputable specialist dealer ..and welcome to the forum..united nations on this site . s an aside ...2 wood carvers of note ,,Ricketts and also May Gibbs did some , don't count on them for this carving.

 

Thanks everyone! awesome to have such a quick response. I', in Mid-North NSW, 3 hours north of Sydney (between Port Macquarie & Newcastle). For those of you that know Oz, you'll appreciate that humidity is a major issue in this region, with hot and humid summers, and cooler (but still humid) winters. This type of furniture isn't ideal for this climate - especially after 3 years of La Niña in a row! Remarkably, the piece doesn't have any mould or damp issues - but for where I am, I need open furniture than can easily breath.

I really do like the carvings - they're very "Australiana"

I'll do some more research on the carvings and see if I can come up with anything!

 

Buy a big dehumidifier and use it!

Sheesh! "Five doors north of King Street." I'd keep it just for that! And it's even beautiful...

 

Most of Carter's pieces described online are noted as being Australian red cedar. One source, I believe from the Port Macquarie Museum, says this about this wood:

"...Australian red cedar (Toona ciliata), a member of the mahogany family, and one of Australia’s few native deciduous trees. The timber was once prolific on the Mid North Coast of NSW but was heavily and unsustainably cut out of the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Red in colour and easy to work, it was highly valued and used extensively for furniture, wood panelling and construction. Availability of the timber is now limited."
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I would contact one of the dealers who have listed Carter items, or the Museum, for advice. If it is red cedar, even if the Wardrobe has no use in it's current state I am sure someone would like to recycle the wood, but I expect someone would want it as is. Cheers.

 

THAT IS GORGEOUS!!!! Personally, I'd keep it & use it! But that may not be your choice, so consider the advice above!!!! BEAUTIFUL carving..... actually the WHOLE thing is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!

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Would guess that old native Australian furniture is sought after. I would take lots of pictures and send them off to a few dealers and/or auction houses. This should break down in to pieces for ease in transport and storage. If you need the space, you might take advantage of this feature and find a place to store this while you decide what to do.

 

Id find a way to make it fit in with my decor. Its a grand piece.

 

if it's red cedar.....the oils in it can handle your climate..

 

Good idea, in fact I have installed a permanent dehumidifier in this room already and that helps.

With that said, the wardrobe had been left abandoned for the last 20/30 years and it has a rather musty odour!

 

really useful, thank you! I might take a drive up the museum and take a look. I suspect it is cedar, in fact the house is also clad in native cedar - it’s located in a forest and cedar handles the humidity well, and it’s also naturally termite resistant which is important around here.

 

I’m certain someone would want this, especially given its age!

it does dismantle into three sections quite easily and without tools - very clever design! They don’t make them like this anymore. Once dismantled, it’s quite easy to move around (I moved it from one floor to another whilst renovating).

 

for musty furniture try carb soda,, or white vinegar and i know that kitty litter is good for musty old books.....worth a try if you consider robe is a keeper. there are several dealers in the Newcastle area who specialise in Australiana. I have had no experience with either listed ...Colonial Rarities in Adamstown and Rare Finds Country Antiques Newcastle....Cedar and Aust furniture very flat at moment....suggest hold on to it. I have a good contact 2 hrs south of Sydney if you need it.

 

Good advice, I'm inclined to hold on to it, although it's taking up a lot of space! I spoke to a contact in Sydney this morning who echoed your comment that the style isn't very popular at the moment - maybe I appreciate it more than I realised!

I'll try and clean it and see how I go - the actual finish is near perfect - it's just "musty" on the inside because it isn't opened very often. Ideally it would have vents, but adding these might not be a smart move. Seems bi-carb of soda is a miracle cure for everything!

thanks again!

 

We use baking soda to absorb odors in the refrigerator here?
What about a closet? I've got one that hasn't been used in years & it smells like it had a leaking roof - without the water!

 

I contacted the museum in Port Macquarie and asked if they might be interested in adding the item to their collection. I really like the idea of the item going to a museum for conservation if it is of any interest to them. I've offered it as a donation.

They've reached out saying they're very interested and will come to inspect it. Its of local historical significance due to the materials, carving, age and carpenter. I'll be really pleased with that outcome if they take it.

 

Cool! Good for you. Artifacts of local history, especially artisan history, often do not get the attention they deserve, usually because they are too familiar and out-of-date, right up to the moment people start to realize that they are gone and can't be replaced. Kudo's for letting your instincts override your first thought of getting rid of it. Cheers