A wonderful and increasingly rare example of British mid-century utility furniture, this Abbess plan chest is a true piece of design history. Originally built for architects, designers, and drafting studios, Abbess were renowned for producing exceptionally robust, beautifully crafted office and storage furniture - and this piece perfectly embodies that legacy.
Beautifully proportioned with clean, understated lines, this plan chest has been expertly refinished, allowing the rich warm tones and striking wood grain to shine once again. The top surface features lovely rounded edges and characterful grain patterns, while the four drawers offer spacious flat storage ideal for papers, art supplies, linens, or everyday household essentials.
The solid wood construction, dovetailed joints and original brass hardware highlight the quality of mid-century British manufacturing. While refinished to a beautiful standard, the chest retains light age-related marks consistent with its history – all adding to its authentic vintage appeal. Please see images for full details of the condition.
This versatile piece brings a distinct vintage aesthetic to any setting. Its generous proportions and legged base make it especially adaptable – it would work beautifully as a kitchen island, statement side table, creative studio workbench or a stylish, functional storage chest in a hallway, office or living space.
Abbess was a respected British manufacturer celebrated for its high-quality mid-century office furniture, including desks, filing cabinets and specialised storage units. Known for their durability and minimalist utilitarian styling, Abbess pieces are increasingly sought-after – both for their craftsmanship and for the unique glimpse they offer into post-war British design.
An heirloom-worthy investment, this plan chest is not only practical but a fascinating design artefact – ready to be enjoyed and appreciated for decades to come
This piece has found its new home, but plenty of other one-of-a-kind finds await you. Discover similar pieces.
Abbess furniture is known for its robust construction, with pieces made from quality woods like teak and mahogany and often featuring metal components. The designs typically reflect a streamlined aesthetic - simple yet elegant, and built to withstand heavy use, which is why they’re still popular today.
Collectors and mid-century enthusiasts appreciate Abbess pieces for their durability and classic look, making them well-suited for both home and office spaces looking to capture that industrial vintage charm.
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£95 courier delivery – Mainland England & Wales
Delivered within 10 days (Mainland England & Wales)
Free delivery on orders over £1,000
Delivery to Scotland: £100Please allow approximately 2–3 weeks for delivery.
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We hope you'll love your purchase, but if for any reason you change your mind, you're welcome to return it.
Please contact us within 14 days of receiving your item to arrange a return. Items must be sent back in their original condition within 30 days of delivery. The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs.
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My beautiful bentwood ply nest of tables arrived today. Sympathetically restored, and looking even better than they did in the pictures. What an amazing little company, a pleasure from start to finish, making everything so easy. What Speedy delivery, and impeccably packaged. I shall definitely be perusing your collection of quality items for future purchases. We'll deserved 5 stars!
Andy
Nest of 3 Mid Century Bentwood Plywood tables
We purchased a beautiful nathan circles mid century sideboard in teak. Exactly as described, it really is a stunning piece. We are so happy with it. Great communication with the seller and fast delivery by a lovely courier.
Carla
Mid Century Teak Sideboard by Vanson
1920’s Haberdashery Unit purchased and arrived exactly as advertised. Sallie-Ann was extremely helpful with the buying process and great communication throughout, a delight to deal with. Highly recommend &VNTG. Thank you and the unit looks amazing!!
Andrew
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