{"title":"The Carpenter’s Workroom","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eIn The Carpenter’s Workroom at Georgegen you will find small antique wooden furniture and toys from Australia’s domestic past. Antique apprentice cabinets and salesman samples, pieces made in the Barossa Valley in the nineteenth century, to those that share the resourcefulness and make-do nature of the generations that lived from the late nineteenth century through to the Depression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eEach of these very special pieces resonate with a strong historical presence, and they were valued by previous generations so that they have survived to be appreciated by a whole new generation of owners.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"depression-era-toy-stables-horse-cart","title":"Toy Stables with Horse, Baker’s Cart \u0026 Doll","description":"\u003ch6 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(60, 109, 199);\"\u003e| This item does not qualify for free domestic shipping. Please get in contact to arrange purchase and delivery |\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eDepression Era\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eCirca 1930s | Australia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eUnique and charming Depression era toy stables, horse, baker’s cart and doll from the 1930s. Charming example of a ‘make-do’ toy possibly lovingly created by a father for their child with what spare materials were on hand in those difficult economic and social times (see The Gen). This is an exceptional and rare example of Australian folk craft.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eThe pine stables, painted in Depression era green paint, comprise a two-level construction with original glass windows on the upper story. The stable doors open to reveal a fun horse hay feeder and drinking trough to the rear of the lower level. The hand-painted wooden horse, with a delightfully expressive face, includes functioning cast-iron wheels and a leather bridle. The red wooden baker’s cart, stencilled in yellow with ‘baker’ on each side, has functioning yellow wooden wagon wheels and a leather pull-harness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eThe charming handmade baker’s doll has a painted face with blue eyes and a rosy complexion, auburn hair, original clothing and a leather satchel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eA truly exceptional collector’s piece of Australian history that is simply delightful.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eDIMENSIONS: Stable height 67 cm, width 54 cm, and depth 34 cm; horse height 28 cm and width 23 cm; baker’s cart length 44 cm, height 22 cm, and width 20 cm; and doll length 27 cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;\"\u003eCONDITION:\u003c\/span\u003e Both the stables and the horse and cart are very lovingly preserved and cared for and are in excellent condition with wear commensurate with antique age and use of such objects. The stable is structurally sound with some loss and wear consistent with age. These all add to the history of the piece and wonder of the stories it could tell.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;\"\u003ePROVENANCE \u0026amp; REFERENCES:\u003c\/span\u003e Formerly part of the Hans and Romy Roeder collection, pre-eminent collecting pioneers and authorities on toys, dolls and teddy bears within the Australian toy collecting community. Baker’s cart and doll appear in \u003ci\u003eAntique Dolls \u0026amp; Toys for Collectors\u003c\/i\u003e,\u003ci\u003e \u003c\/i\u003eRomy Roeder, 1985, p. 60.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eFor an \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/collection.powerhouse.com.au\/object\/128565\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eexample of a doll house made from packing cases\u003c\/a\u003e see The Powall family dollhouse ‘A Perfect Little House’ dolls house, at the Powerhouse Museum, Object Number 93\/1\/1 1938-1942. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e~~~~~~~~~~~\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eTHE GEN\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e“… the ‘make do’ spirit … (was) a vital force in the years of the Great Depression. In those years one publication, Makeshift, which described hundreds of packing case-creations, eventually became a veritable bible for poor home furniture makers. Published by the New Settlers’ League in Melbourne, its designs catered for every room of the home and extended to workshop fittings, farm equipment, domestic utensils and children’s toys.” (\u003ci\u003eMemories: A Survey of Early Australian Furniture in the Collection of the Lord McAlpine of West Green\u003c\/i\u003e, Australian City Properties Limited, 1990, p. 81)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eThis veritable bible, whose full title is \u003ci\u003eMakeshifts And Other Home-Made Furniture and Utensils\u003c\/i\u003e, was a booklet published in March 1925. It came about as a result of a two competitions held in 1923 and 1924 which generated over 1050 ideas for making do with what you had.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e“It is not claimed that the booklet is in any sense complete. This applies more particularly to the Farm and Children’s Sections. On Australian farms, necessity has proved to be the mother of invention, and it will continue to be so. The booklet merely suggests the directions in which ingenuity of the settler and his wife may be applied.” (\u003ci\u003eMakeshifts And Other Home-Made Furniture and Utensils, New Settlers League of Australia \u003c\/i\u003e(Victorian Division), March 1925, p. 3)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e“Always be content with what you have, but never be satisfied with yourself unless you are making the most of what you have,” a truism found in the introduction of Makeshifts we could all follow today. (\u003ci\u003eMakeshifts And Other Home-Made Furniture and Utensils, New Settlers League of Australia\u003c\/i\u003e (Victorian Division), March 1925, p. 3) You can read this wonderful booklet \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/trove.nla.gov.au\/work\/16539751?keyword=Makeshifts%20And%20Other%20Home-Made%20Furniture%20and%20Utensils\" style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e~~~~~~~~~~~\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Georgegen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42320594862122,"sku":"","price":2687.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0613\/8478\/5962\/files\/Georgegen-Carpenters-Workroom-Depression-Era-Toy-Stables-07.jpg?v=1749705601"},{"product_id":"miniature-kitchen-dresser-accessories","title":"Miniature Kitchen Dresser with a Collection of Accessories","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDepression Era\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eCirca 1930s | Australia\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA Depression era child’s kitchen dresser with an extensive collection of assembled miniature tin and copper accessories from the 1930s. This is a charming example of a coveted and popular children’s toy made during the difficult depression years. It exemplifies the ‘make-do’ ethos and the ingenuity of Australia’s homegrown toy-makers (see The Gen). This is an exceptional and rare example of Australian folk craft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe pine kitchen dresser is varnished, has a whitewashed interior and the trim is accented in a decorative green. The two doors retain all original latches that open to reveal a cupboard with an internal shelf. There are two waterfall shelves with plate stay rods, a sideboard and nail hooks for hanging items. This exceptional dresser includes what can only be assumed was a lovingly assembled and cherished collection of twenty-five miniature accessories. The accessories include pots, plates, jugs and tankard, cookie cutters, jelly moulds, a toy toaster and dustpan. The dustpan has the remnants of a label for “Mitchells the Brush People” that places this accessory contemporaneously with the dresser (see The Gen).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA wonderful and simply delightful piece. A truly exceptional collector’s piece of Australian history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;\"\u003eDIMENSIONS:\u003c\/span\u003e Height 66 cm, width 41 cm, and depth 13 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;\"\u003eCONDITION:\u003c\/span\u003e The dresser is in excellent condition, with wear commensurate with antique age and use of such a piece. It has been very lovingly preserved and cared for. It is structurally sound with some loss and wear consistent with the age of such an object. The accessories are in very good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eREFERENCES: For examples of similar children’s dressers see\u003ci\u003e The Kitchen Dresser, In Praise of a Furniture Icon\u003c\/i\u003e, Simon Griffiths, Thames \u0026amp; Hudson, 2022, pp 11, 160.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e~~~~~~~~~~~\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTHE GEN\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e“Many of the toys sold in Australia at Christmas time are not made in any recognised factory. They are made in sheds, in backyards, and on the verandas of private homes. Three months before Christmas the backyard toy-makers start to make toys from scrap metal so that they will have a good supply to cope with the rush that sets in. Any sort of timber can be used for making wooden toys. After they are painted, they look just as good or similar to toys made from the best timber. A man who can design and make a novel toy that has not appeared on the market will find a ready sale for it. I knew a man who spent most of his spare time experimenting with toys. He designed some very novel articles and made good money as a result. Wooden toys need to be strong these days. Parents will not buy toys that do not stand up to a lot of rough usage. Three-ply is used extensively in the manufacture of toys. It is cheap, easily worked and makes a good strong article. A tinsmith I know out of work fashions toys from tin. He gathers tins from rubbish tips and quickly makes little trains, motor-cars and various other toys from it. Paint covers up all the blemishes.” (\u003ci\u003eThe Australian Woman’s Mirror\u003c\/i\u003e, Vol. 14 No. 3, 14 December 1937, pp 7, 44)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn 1931, in a weekly newspaper column \u003cem\u003eAround the Shops\u003c\/em\u003e, Aunt Merrythought includes a dresser in \u003cem\u003eA Continued List of Special Toys and Christmas Gifts for the Family\u003c\/em\u003e: “Another much coveted toy for small girls is the dresser ‘like mother has in the kitchen’, and the illustration shows one that would give much pleasure. It is well constructed of white pine with decorations on the two doors and plenty of cupboard and crockery space. It stands 17-in. high and is 13-in. long, and the price is 4\/6. Other dressers may be had for 3\/6 and 6\/3 each.” (\u003ci\u003eThe Farmer and Settler\u003c\/i\u003e, 12 December 1931, p. 14)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThomas Mitchell \u0026amp; Co was a brush manufacturer who commenced business in the nineteenth century and was so successful that in 1937 they built the 10-storey office building in Melbourne called Mitchell House designed by the architect Harry Norris.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e~~~~~~~~~~~\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Georgegen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42320907173930,"sku":"","price":1892.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0613\/8478\/5962\/files\/Georgegen-Carpenters-Workroom-Depression-Era-Miniature-Dresser-2.jpg?v=1749706307"},{"product_id":"colonial-baltic-pine-apprentice-cabinet","title":"Colonial Baltic Pine Apprentice Cabinet, South Australian","description":"\u003ch5 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eVictorian\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eCirca late 19th century | Australia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eAn elegant antique Australian Colonial Baltic pine apprentice cabinet in the form of a wardrobe made in the Barossa Valley in the late nineteenth century. Twin doors with beautiful decoration, a carved and inverted moustache shaped skirt characteristic of the Continental character (see The Gen) and turned feet. The knob-less wardrobe doors open to reveal an internal shelf with a self-contained single drawer (see The Gen). A rare and unique piece of early apprentice craftmanship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eDIMENSIONS: Height 40 cm, width 26 cm, and depth 15.5 cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eCONDITION: The cabinet is in very good condition with wear commensurate with antique age. It is structurally sound with a lovely honey coloured patina from many years of handling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e~~~~~~~~~~~\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eTHE GEN\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e“… the flamboyant moustache-shaped pediment, known locally as a cocky’s crest or Schnurrbart … from primitive to elegant sculptured forms, these cocky’s crests adorned a variety of cupboards, dressers, food safes and even occasional bed ends.” (\u003ci\u003eMemories: A Survey of Early Australian Furniture in the Collection of the Lord McAlpine of West Green\u003c\/i\u003e, Graham Cornall, Australian City Properties Limited, 1990, p. 219)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e“Decorated doors frames, whilst not common on ordinary kitchen fittings, were regularly used on larger items of Barossa Valley furniture, particularly clothes cupboards and dressers.” (\u003ci\u003eMemories: A Survey of Early Australian Furniture in the Collection of the Lord McAlpine of West Green\u003c\/i\u003e, Graham Cornall, Australian City Properties Limited, 1990, p. 220)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e“As with many Barossa Valley pieces, the doors lack knobs and rely on a key for opening as well as locking.” (\u003ci\u003eMemories: A Survey of Early Australian Furniture in the Collection of the Lord McAlpine of West Green\u003c\/i\u003e, Graham Cornall, Australian City Properties Limited, 1990, p. 236)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e~~~~~~~~~~~\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Georgegen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42534463635498,"sku":null,"price":1198.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0613\/8478\/5962\/files\/Georgegen-Carpenters-Workroom-Colonial-Apprentice-Wardrobe-01.jpg?v=1749706846"},{"product_id":"colonial-baltic-pine-apprentice-cabinet-australian","title":"Colonial Baltic Pine Apprentice Cabinet, South Australian","description":"\u003ch5 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eVictorian\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eCirca mid to late 19th century | Australia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eAn antique Australian Colonial Baltic pine apprentice cabinet in the form of a wardrobe (see The Gen) made in the Barossa Valley in the mid to late nineteenth century. The cabinet is made of Baltic pine and has two doors and a single drawer. Internally there are hooks and a rail and it is painted in a mint green with an undercoat of purple. The half-moon accent decoration on the doors and the simplicity of the design are of the restrained Biedermeier style employed by the cabinet makers of the era (see The Gen). A rare piece of apprentice craftmanship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;\"\u003eDIMENSIONS:\u003c\/span\u003e Height 40 cm, width 24.5 cm, and depth 15.5 cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;\"\u003eCONDITION:\u003c\/span\u003e The cabinet is in very good condition with wear commensurate with antique age\u003cspan style=\"mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e It is structurally sound with a lovely deep honey colour and aged patina. The right-hand door, whilst it shuts, is not completely aligned at the top. This, however, is not visible when viewing from the front.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;\"\u003eREFERENCES: For\u003c\/span\u003e examples of early German colonial furniture painted with green finishes see a mantel cupboard, dresser and chair in \u003ci\u003eMemories: A Survey of Early Australian Furniture in the Collection of the Lord McAlpine of West Green\u003c\/i\u003e, Graham Cornall, Australian City Properties Limited, 1990, pp 222, 224 and 231.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e~~~~~~~~~~~\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eTHE GEN\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e“Miniature furniture and goods have a long history, and over the centuries miniature furniture has been made for many reasons … they may be salespeople’s samples for prospective furniture buyers to see scale model before ordering a full-sized piece to be made by a cabinet-maker … Apprentice pieces were also made, as a way for an apprentice cabinet-maker to show his woodworking skills and capabilities to a prospective employer.” (\u003ci\u003eThe Kitchen Dresser, In Praise of a Furniture Icon\u003c\/i\u003e, Simon Griffiths, Thames \u0026amp; Hudson, 2022, p. 159)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e“Australian Colonial furniture, while exhibiting its own unique style, was in some regions of the country influenced to a large degree by the origins of the area’s settlers. In South Australia the German influence played a significant role in the furniture designs of the Colonial era. During the 19th century 460 German cabinet makers were to arrive in South Australia. The earliest settlers had not been able to bring much more than a chest containing the barest essentials due partly to the cramped conditions of the vessels that transported them and partly because of their general impoverishment–they had nothing else to bring.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003eSo everything for the home had to be reproduced in Australia, and the Barossa Valley offered an abundance of timber for cabinet-making and carpentry, and clays in the nearby hills suitable for pottery making. Much of the furniture made by the German cabinet makers was in the Biedermeier style which had developed in Germany, Austria and Denmark from the end of the Napoleonic Wars to the late 1840s. This was a restrained neo-classical style following on from the French Empire style and incredibly popular with the middle classes of the time. Being so far removed from external influences, the craftsmen of South Australia continued to work in this style until as late as the 1880s, long after this style had lost favour in their homeland.” (\u003ci\u003eDaily Examiner\u003c\/i\u003e, 22 August 2009, p. 30)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e“Decorated doors frames, whilst not common on ordinary kitchen fittings, were regularly used on larger items of Barossa Valley furniture, particularly clothes cupboards and dressers.” (\u003ci\u003eMemories: A Survey of Early Australian Furniture in the Collection of the Lord McAlpine of West Green\u003c\/i\u003e, Graham Cornall, Australian City Properties Limited, 1990, p. 220)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(17, 17, 17);\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e~~~~~~~~~~~\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Georgegen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42538036363306,"sku":null,"price":994.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0613\/8478\/5962\/files\/Georgegen-Carpenters-Workroom-Colonial-Apprentice-Wardrobe-Half-Moon-05.jpg?v=1749707507"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0613\/8478\/5962\/collections\/Georgegen_Carpenters_Workroom.jpg?v=1736927963","url":"https:\/\/www.georgegen.com.au\/collections\/the-carpenters-workroom.oembed","provider":"Georgegen","version":"1.0","type":"link"}