George Mann Niedecken
Cabinet from the Conroy Building, Milwaukee


USA, c. 1904
walnut, glass
74.5 h x 52.5 w x 22.75 d in (189 x 133 x 58 cm)

The Conroy Building was built in 1881 at 725-729 North Milwaukee Street in Milwaukee. Situated in this Queen Anne-style building was an art gallery founded in 1882 by Frank Durbin and Phillip Poposkey. Shortly after in 1889, the gallery was acquired by Frank H. Bresler and renamed F.H. Bresler Gallery, which was designed by George Mann Niedecken. The present lot is likely from the entrance to the gallery or one of the offices.

Cabinet features two glass doors and four adjustable shelves.

Provenance: Conroy Building, Milwaukee | Acquired in 1960 from the previous, Private Collection | Thence by descent

This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.

Cabinet has been fully restored in the recent past and also shows minor signs of prior wear. Because the cabinet was previously built-in, some adjustments have been made to conceal the areas previously attached to the wall. Two walnut pieces have been added to both sides at the top and bottom corners, and these were then well matched to the new finish. The floating shelves were also made at the time of restoration, and matched nicely to the new finish. Structurally sound and in very good overall restored condition.