Cabinet 1865 - 1880

This "Cabinet" was created in the mid-19th century by the British firm Jackson & Graham, and exemplifies the opulence and social stratification of Victorian England. The cabinet is made from wood and is intricately decorated with inlaid marquetry, a testament to the skill and labor involved in its creation. As you look closer, consider the identity of the artisan. Their work is present but their name is absent; a reflection of their position within the rigid class structure. The imposing scale and mirrored surface speak to the performative nature of wealth and domestic life during this period. The cabinet's design incorporates classical motifs, which were commonly employed to evoke a sense of grandeur. However, this aesthetic also obscures the often brutal realities of British imperialism, which was essential to the accumulation of such wealth. Think about how this piece both reflects and shapes our understanding of Victorian society, and how the echoes of that era continue to resonate today.