Summary:
• Style: Art Nouveau
• Period: Victorian
• Circa: 1890
• Provenance: England, UK
• Wood: Mahogany
• Cabinetmaker: James Shoolbred & Co.
• Overhanging protruding cornice
• Decorative open brackets
• Twin pillar carved floral column supports
• Astragal glazed glass doors
• Green damask fabric cabinet backed interior
• 3 adjustable internal cabinet shelves
• Working locks & keys to glass cabinet
• Working locks & keys to cupboard
• Art Nouveau design carved floral door panels
• Shaped art nouveau frieze
• Original ogee bracket feet
• Original pine backboards
• Fantastic original colour & patination
• Dismantles into 2 sections for easy movement
• Free 14 days UK returns policy
Here is an example of a very good quality antique Victorian mahogany glass bookcase cabinet, made by the renowned furniture makers, James Shoolbred & Co. of London, circa 1880, in excellent original condition. The design of the bookcase is a classic example from the Art Nouveau period, which was extremely fashionable at this time. The glass cabinet top section features a large over-hang to the cornice, supported by a row of decorative open brackets. Two square columns, featuring decorative flowers and buds to the heads of the columns also support the cornice. Below, the twin astragal glazed cabinet doors open to reveal three internal adjustable pine shelves. The doors retain their original hinges, locking catches and the original working level lock and a key. The back wall of the interior of the cabinet has been lined in a light green damask silk fabric. The glass cabinet sits on a deeper base, which features a simple thumb moulded top, above two cupboard doors. The doors display further examples of the Art Nouveau influence, depicting carvings of flowers and buds inset into quarter moulded door panels. The cupboard doors also retain their original locking catches and central lever lock and key. The shelf inside the cupboard is fixed. Further examples of the Art Nouveau influence of his piece can be seen in the shaped frieze sitting in between the ogee bracket feet. The cabinet is stamped with the cabinetmaker’s plaque on the inside of the left cupboard door.
The bookcase features a mellow brown mahogany colour. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received.
The bookcase would look superb in a variety of rooms from the office, living room or library. This item base would certainly grace any home. So don’t miss out your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture.
Provenance:
James Shoolbred & Co. who was based in Tottenham Court Road London was a highly esteemed & respected furniture manufactures and retailer business between the years 1820 – 1931. They made and sold some of the best quality furniture during the Victorian and Edwardian period. They were also known for incorporating textiles and carpets with their furniture in their own catalogues, which some would say was the birth of the interior design business. James Shoolbred was also granted a Royal warrant by the mid-1880s, which gives an indication of the quality of furniture they produced. Their business was always at the forefront of the latest fashions and evolving tastes of the populous at that time.
Condition Report:
This bookcase in is excellent original condition. Nominal old use marks to the leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. The cabinet features the original glass and shelves. All hinges, door locks and lever locks are original and are in working order with working keys. The doors to both sections are not warped and close flush to the frame. The bookcase features its original backboards and feet. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it has received. This item splits into two sections for easy movement. This item is solid in joint and ready to use.
Dimensions:
External height = 187cm or 73⅝” or 6ft 1⅝”
External width = 122cm or 48” or 4ft
External depth = 45.5cm or 18” or 1ft 6”
Terms & Conditions:
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Ref. Bookcase 13