Walnut

Introduced into England in the 16th century but little used for furniture at that period, mainly in chair making, until the early 17th century. The early years of the 18th century were sometimes referred to as the ‘age of walnut’ much in favour in the reign of Queen Anne in particular. Used by cabinet makers throughout the 18th and 19th centuries often in the form of veneers.

Walnut Antiques

With the arrival of the first mahogany imports in around 1720 walnut became a little out of fashion but even so was much used in country furniture. Walnut is reasonably hard and can patinate and fade into glorious shades of brown. Burr walnut is usually cut into veneers and oyster cut across the boughs. Colour and patina are everything when assessing walnut period furniture.