A Closer Look: Spotlight on French Royal Furniture by Jean-Henri Riesener
Waddesdon Manor houses three extraordinary chests of drawers by court cabinetmaker Jean-Henri Riesener, two of which belonged to members of the French royal family. They are among twelve pieces of furniture now at Waddesdon that were originally at the Palace of Versailles. Riesener was perhaps the most celebrated cabinetmaker of the 18th-century, the official cabinetmaker to King Louis XVI and the favourite of Queen Marie-Antoinette. Each of these chests of drawers is richly decorated with colourful marquetry (designs made with wood veneers) depicting flowers and trophies and geometric patterns, and mounted with finely chased and gilded bronzes.
This display will allow visitors to look closely at these splendid pieces and to learn about their design, technical construction and fascinating history.
The display marks the start of a collaboration with the Wallace Collection and the Royal Collection, both of whom also have significant collections of furniture by Riesener.
Suitable for
Any age
Admission
Included in House ticket price (£20 for House and Grounds ticket, National Trust members go free).
Website
http://www.waddesdon.org.uk/collection/exhibitions-waddesdon-manor/waddesdon-riesener-furniture-french-royal
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