Help with information on antique wardrobe

Therealdill

Newbie
Dec 30, 2024
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Hi, noob here who just acquired a 1920s or 1930s N.H. Chapman & Co Siesta wardrobe. It appears to be book matched Burl walnut veneer on the doors. It stands about 6 feet tall and is about 4 feet wide. I have not been able to find something comparable from this maker so just trying to gather any information I can on the piece.


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Welcome to Tnet. All I can tell you is this.

The company was originally founded in 1847 by the cabinet-maker Hedley Chapman in North Shields in England. The Newcastle showroom opened in 1871. The company continued to be run as a family business and ultimately passed to Norman H. Chapman just before WWI. Originally they made their own furniture, but the workshops in North Shields closed during the war and thereafter they operated only as a retailer for items made by other companies. The 'Siesta' brand was registered for that purpose in 1920 and the Carlisle showroom opened in the 1930s (so your wardrobe will be after that date). The firm finally closed in September 2012.
 

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Welcome to Tnet. All I can tell you is this.

The company was originally founded in 1847 by the cabinet-maker Hedley Chapman in North Shields in England. The Newcastle showroom opened in 1871. The company continued to be run as a family business and ultimately passed to Norman H. Chapman just before WWI. Originally they made their own furniture, but the workshops in North Shields closed during the war and thereafter they operated only as a retailer for items made by other companies. The 'Siesta' brand was registered for that purpose in 1920 and the Carlisle showroom opened in the 1930s (so your wardrobe will be after that date). The firm finally closed in September 2012.
Red-Coat, appreciate the reply and information. I had found some of that online, but yours is a bit more complete, including the Carlisle showroom opening dates. Now trying to do some more research to assess the possible value if it were to be restored.
 

Perhaps the first thing to look at would be the fact you have deemed this a "wardrobe"... when it could be classified or called a multitude of other names... like almirah... armoire... chifforobe... and a few other types of names.... sheesh even just closet or cabinet.
might try other words / type conjunctions in your searches to cast a light or lead.
 

Perhaps the first thing to look at would be the fact you have deemed this a "wardrobe"... when it could be classified or called a multitude of other names... like almirah... armoire... chifforobe... and a few other types of names.... sheesh even just closet or cabinet.
might try other words / type conjunctions in your searches to cast a light or lead.
ARC, thanks and great point. I had been searching wardrobe and armoire, but neglected the others you noted. Appreciate it.
 

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Perhaps the first thing to look at would be the fact you have deemed this a "wardrobe"... when it could be classified or called a multitude of other names... like almirah... armoire... chifforobe... and a few other types of names.... sheesh even just closet or cabinet.
might try other words / type conjunctions in your searches to cast a light or lead.
[I know what I like, and I like what I know;
getting better in your wardrobe, stepping one beyond your show]



I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)​

Song by​

Genesis
It's one o'clock and time for lunch,
When the sun beats down and I lie on the bench
I can always hear them talk
There's always been Ethel:
"Jacob, wake up! You've got to tidy your room now."
And then Mister Lewis:
"Isn't it time that he was out on his own?"
Over the garden wall, two little lovebirds - cuckoo to you!
Keep them mowing blades sharp...
I know what I like, and I like what I know;
getting better in your wardrobe, stepping one beyond your show
Sunday night, Mr Farmer called, said:
"Listen son, you're wasting your time; there's a future for you
in the fire escape trade. Come up to town!"
But I remebered a voice from the past;
"Gambling only pays when you're winning"
- I had to thank old Miss Mort for schooling a failure
Keep them mowing blades sharp...
I know what I like, and I like what I know;
getting better in your wardrobe, stepping one beyond your show
When the sun beats down and I lie on the bench,
I can always hear them talk.
Me, I'm just a lawnmower - you can tell me by the way I walk
 

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