In terms of popularity, one of the most enduring categories of antique furniture is the sideboard. Functional in design and utilitarian in purpose, sideboards were originally intended for use in the dining room; but today, sideboards are even seen in hallways and living areas. The origin of sideboards dates to the mid eighteenth century. Prior to the development of the sideboard, cellarets were used for storage of wine, while utensils and serving ware were displayed on more simple serving tables. Around 1760, Robert Adam came up with the idea of adding storage compartments to either end of the serving table. Later, Thomas Chippendale took this idea a step further, by actually adding the storage cupboards to the table as one piece of furniture and the sideboard was born. Soon other designers would make their own interpretation of Chippendale’s sideboard design. Built-in cellaret drawers became popular, as well as storage drawers for sterling cutlery, glasses, china, and yes, even a china potty.
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Shockingly, the use of the potty in 18th century dining rooms was common. Guests who did not want the make the trip to the often outdoor toilet facilities would simply take the chamber pot to a discreet location, perhaps behind a screen, and use it for its intended purpose. It is hard to imagine, but this practice was apparently commonplace at large, fancy dinner parties; not only among the gentleman, but the ladies as well! Sideboards are sometimes referred to as “buffets,” since the French word buffet literally translates as “sideboard.” Another term for smaller sideboards, particularly popular in the American South is “Brandy Board.” In England, Brandy Boards are usually referred to simply as “server” or “serving board.” Sideboards today are a favorite of interior designers. The classic style of the eighteenth and nineteenth century sideboards incorporate with many design schemes—from the classic to contemporary. These sideboards, and their later reproductions, appear in all the classical styles from Chippendale to Hepplewhite, Sheraton, Georgian and Federal. The Victorian era sideboards were more ornate, substantial, and often went all the way to the floor with no legs. Generally, Victorian sideboards accommodated a larger amount of storage. The upper crust Victorians, and even the burgeoning middle class whose fortune was bolstered by the Industrial Revolution, had more possessions than any ever before and sideboards had to be modified to provide room for the various utensils popular at this time. During the late 19th and continuing into the 20th century, sideboards began to appear in Chinese and other Asian designs, characterized by simple square lines. Examples of sideboards were also produced in the Arts and Crafts and Art Deco movements of the 1920’s, and sideboards of Modern design were produced during the 1950’s and 1960’s.
4 3 Early 20th century adaptation of a Hepplewhite server or “Brandy Board.” English, ca. 1924. 4 Monumental George III mahogany sideboard with satinwood inlay, cellarette drawers on either side, and brass gallery. English, Signed Benj Newton Larjoy Enoquoe, 1793. Jerry Shrout is the proprietor of Thoroughbred Antique Gallery in Lexington. He can be reached at 859-233-9375 or tagallery@windstream.net. www.kentuckyhomesandgardens.com
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