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The cwpwrdd
tridarn (three-part-cupboard) has long been recognized as a
distinct form. It was confined to a small region, principally in
Caernarfonshire, comprising the valleys that run from the centre of
Snowdonia and the coastal districts between. A large number of
cwpwrdd tridarn still survive and since they originated in this
restricted area in which there were few mansions, they must
originally have stood in the larger farmhouses.
Many
cypyrddau tridarn bore dates showing a main period of production
from about 1660 to the 1770s with a few being made into the 1790s.
The
form was related to the more widespread enclosed one-piece press
cupboard, which had a slightly recessed upper section with an
overhanging top and either turned columns or, later, pendants
(sometimes called drop-finials or droppers) over a high base; by the
mid-17th century these were usually made in two sections and had
acquired the term cwpwrdd deuddarn. An additional canopy formed the
usual arrangement for the cwpwrdd
tridarn, the development of this
top section providing an unenclosed space enabling a more impressive
display and offering cover and protection in rooms that were
dominated by a smokey hearth.
 Although
many cypyrddau tridarn appear to have been made for customers of
local importance, it cannot be 
assumed that the more elaborate were necessarily intended for
wealthier homes, since it is not known how much the pieces cost,
whether payment was made in cash or kind, or whether it was normal
for the customer to supply the material. A typical example, which had
the initials ‘MR AM’ and date ‘1685’ in a shield,
was probably made to commemorate a marriage or a new home and showed
the importance attached to the piece by its owners. Either side of
the central panel the doors were decorated with a Classical design
that, although found in 16th century inlay work, also had a Celtic
feel, perhaps accounting for its popularity on a number of cupboards.
More
details regarding this and other furniture types can be found in Welsh
Furniture 1250-1950
by Richard Bebb |
