Remember the Friends episode
with the Pottery Barn 'Apothecary Table?'
Well, the apothecary cabinet
-- defined as "A low chest with small drawers that was originally used to store herbs for cooking and medicinal purposes"--
has become a much sought-after piece of furniture!
Apothecary cabinets come in all shapes and sizes, and are most commonly made of wood or metal. They include multiple, small drawers whose standardized labeling systems are most recognized by their rectangular, metal label compartments.
"Apothecary is a historical name
for a medical professional who formulates and dispenses materia medica to physicians, surgeons and patients — a role now served by a pharmacist or chemist." The cabinets found today are mostly 19th-century items originally used to store herbs, drugs and other similar substances.
This is the stuff of the early 20th-century science classrooms and library card catalogs,
of Deyrolle and old-timey Drugstore Chic
and even Steampunk.
The home office of Lambertson-Truex, shown above, includes an apothecary style cabinet cleverly mounted above the desk
(all the better to see and access)!
Apothecary cabinets are versatile pieces;
they work well in entry halls, office spaces,
living and dining rooms, and what have you.
This vintage cabinet was cleverly incorporated
into a contemporary kitchen.
Age and use have endowed these pieces with a certain patina.
Their resulting charm and character
allow them to become focal points in a space.
The warmth and texture of the above piece is at wonderful odds
with the space's sleeker, more contemporary elements.
This metal piece was imaginatively styled with fencing masks, vintage glass pieces in varying shades of purple, formal menswear hats, and paperwhites!
The warm wood tones of the above chest
are a pleasant foil for the cool blue walls.
19th-century, Victorian odds and ends
recall the above piece's origins.
Although that particular Friends episode is over ten years old,
Pottery Barn currently offers several pieces with the apothecary cabinent look. Above is their Andover cabinet in Red. Their Shelby Accessory Tower and Anderson Media Console also fall into this category (click titles to access site).
Current offerings at ABC Carpet and Home include this
Antique Country Mahogany Apothecary Chest, England c. 1870
A very charming antique bank of chemist drawers from England on a new custom-made base (to give the piece a viable 30" height). The drawers have old grain-paint fronts, lending a terrific look. Old varnish improves the country "look". The mahogany top and sides also have a rich color and patina. The 32 drawers of varying sizes each have an old chemical label. Could be used for an entry piece, or a server or sofa table. Looks great everywhere! Price $8,850
Briggs House Antiques 566 E Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Mid-19th century Faux Bois cabinet
with unusual decorative base with new limestone top, no back
Price $4,200 Condition* aged but fine , no back, sides as seen
Measurements: height: 39.25 in. x depth: 13.25 in. x width/length: 9'2"
Materials/Techniques: wood Creator: unknown
Measurements: height: 39.25 in. x depth: 13.25 in. x width/length: 9'2"
Materials/Techniques: wood Creator: unknown
Ruby Beets 25 Washington Street PO BOX 1174 Sag Harbor, NY 11963
I wish I'd asked for my grandfather's piece which sat idly in our childhood playroom for twenty years, as it has long since disappeared!...Here's hoping you'll find one in the attic or flea market!
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