At first glance, this high-quality walnut piece appears to contain seven drawers. However, drawers No. 2, 3 and 4 from the top form a drop-down front, which opens to reveal a writing desk.
A label at rear records that the piece was made by R. Strahan.
The furniture firm of Robert Strahan and Co., was was founded in Dublin in 1776. Initially it operated from 10-11 Chancery Lane. Later it expanded to 24-25 Henry Street (1815) and later again to 5 Leinster Street (1845).
The firm displayed its work at the Great Industrial Exhibition in Dublin in 1853. In 1870 it moved to Abbey Street, where it continued to trade under the same name up until 1969.
The firm was patronized by the Office of Public Works and also designed furniture for some of Ireland’s great country houses, including Doneraile Court, Co. Cork and Lisnavagh, Co. Carlow.