A miniature of a baroque ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ will be exhibited during the Frome Festival.
It will be on display at the Three Swans pub on King Street from Friday 3rd to Sunday 12th July.
This exquisite piece is the work of Paul Walsh, an antique furniture restorer living and working in Frome; it was lovingly and painstakingly made from scratch over a period of five years.
It is a one-third scale miniature of an English cabinet-on-chest in walnut, with marquetry of various naturally coloured woods, green-stained bone and sycamore on an Ebony ground. It has a dizzying number of drawers of all shapes and sizes, including eight mysteriously hidden secret ones. www.acabinet ofcuriosity.net
Cabinets of curiosities in the 17th and 18th Centuries were designed to store collections of natural wonders from around the world. Members of the elite at that time would invite friends over for intimate ‘cabinet meetings’ during which the host would show off his collection. Only the most trusted servants were permitted access to the cabinet.
This miniature seeks to honour these baroque stories and traditions; as well as the tremendous skills and crafts that brought these fascinating creations into existence.
Baroque is from 3rd -12th July. Opening times: Friday 3rd July and Sunday 5th July: midday to 11.00pm • Saturday 4th July: midday to 6.00pm • Monday 6th July – Thursday 9th July: 5.00 to 11.00pm.