The Murray Cabinet

The cabinet was probably made by John Channon of St Martin's Lane, London c1745 for the Murray family of Octertyre, Perthshire. It is a tour de force of the rococo style, with its undulating profile, gilt bronze mounts (possibly imported from France), and brass inlaid decoration. The upper section opens to reveal nests of drawers, pigeon holes and no less than 17 secret compartments while the centre drawer pulls forward as a desk.

The attribution to John Channon is based on a pair of signed bookcases at Powderham Castle, Devon, with many of the same features and clearly from the same workshop.

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