Rare Virginia Chippendale Mahogany Linen Press

signed "J McCormick", Virginia, 1787-1791, molded rectangular cornice above an upper case fitted with two cabinet doors opening to reveal three linen slides, above a desk drawer with hinged facade opening to a compartmented interior fitted with drawers, one signed J McCormick" in pencil, over a lower case with two short drawers above two long drawers, on bracket feet, 81 x 49 x 21 in.Note:ÿThe Irish immigrant James McCormick is recorded in Baltimore in 1786, but over the next five years he moved variously to Alexandria, then to Norfolk, and finally to Petersburg, Virginia, presumably to try to improve his opportunities for work. McCormick contributed to the revival of British taste in these Virginia cities, and his British training is apparent in the planar design of this linen press, which relates closely to British precedents. For more on McCormick, see Hurst and Prown, Southern Furniture 1680-1830ÿ(Williamsburg, 1997), p. 117 and 363.Provenance: Christie's, New York; A Maryland Private Collector
Condition Report: overall excellent condition, appears to retain original brasses, scattered repairs to cockbeading on drawers, lower case with full dustboards, feet in good repair, lacking corner glue blocks and minor break and repair to proper right front foot, minor repairs around escutcheons, case refinished, but with good color, desk drawer facing slightly darker, from less sun exposure, other minor imperfectionsÿ