This is a magnificent chest of grand proportions attributed to Duncan Phyfe. Its size is compensated by the rounded ends of this chest which independently open for additional storage. It is inaccurate to call this casepiece just a chest because it is more than that.
This chest is often referred to as a commode or a gentleman‘s chest. The top drawer opens to accommodate a ratcheted looking glass and space for personal grooming. The next drawer below is hinged and drops down to reveal a small secretary with pigeon holes and a baize lined writing surface. Below these drawers, are two large doors with pull-out interior shelves similar to a linen press. You might call this an all-in-one chest for personal grooming, secretarial work and providing ample space for clothing. All of this is supported by slim fluted legs on brass ball feet. What more can a gentleman want?
One of this grouping, possibly ours, is illustrated in Duncan Phyfe and the English Regency, Nancy McClelland p.263. Another of this grouping is pictured in a full page ad, in Antiques Magazine, Oct. 1943 by C.W. Lyon, a notable New York dealer. Another is in the Boston MFA, and is illustrated in Bayou Bend: American Furniture Collection, David B. Warren cat.no 47.3. Lastly, Hirschl & Adler shows one of this grouping in an elegant living room setting as a centerpiece commode in Antiques Magazine, Jan 2000.
I believe our example was illustrated in Antiques Magazine, Dec 1972, by Ginsburg and Levy. It came up for auction in Oct. 2001 at Sotheby’s as part of the collection of Frederick W. Hughes who had passed away. He was the lawyer /business manager for Andy Warhol who shopped at the Levy Gallery and was especially interested in Classical furniture. I suppose this is where his chest was acquired as Warhol picked much of the decedent’s furniture.
Needless to say, when it came up for auction in October, it was a definite must have. No other piece of Classical case furniture of this form is known. What makes it especially useful, is that it can also serve as a centerpiece commode in more formal space in addition to a bedroom.
Illustrated: A very closely related example, attributed to Phyfe, was part of the wedding furniture made for Sophia Miles and George Belden, later part of the collection of Mrs. Giles Whiting.
It is illustrated in McLelland, Nancy. Duncan Phyfe and the English Regency, pl.250 (see scan in images above).
Provenance: Fredrick W. Hughes, business manager to Andy Warhol.
Height: 48 in.
Revised August 12, 2026