Object Description
This an exquisite antique Edwardian revolving bookcase, attributed to the renowned retailer and cabinet maker, Maple & Co, circa 1900 in date.
It is made of flame mahogany, revolves on a solid cast iron base and has inlaid boxwood lines to the top and bottom. The top is centred with an elaborate shell inlaid decoration with crossbanding and inlaid hatching around the perimiter.
The best quality Edwardian revolving bookcases had cast iron bases, as this meant that they would be sturdy and not tip when full of books, whereas the lesser versions had simple wooden bases.
The quality and attention to detail throughout is second to none.
Condition:
In excellent condition having been beautifully cleaned and polished in our workshops, please see photos for confirmation.
Dimensions in cm:
Height 86 cm x Width 49.5 cm x Depth 49.5 cm
Dimensions in inches:
Height 2 foot, 10 inches x Width 1 foot, 7 inches x Depth 1 foot, 7 inches
Maple & Co
the renowned furniture retailer of London, Paris and Buenos Aires, were famous for top quality furniture.
They were by Royal Appointment and became one of the leading furniture manufacturers of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. They used only the finest quality timber which was imported directly from all over the world.
Maple and Company were founded in 1841 in Tottenham Court Road, London and had premises there until 1997. By the 1880s they were the largest and most successful furniture makers in the world, their huge emporium having become a tourist attraction in its own right. In addition to their middle class clientele, they furnished Embassies, hotels, beautiful homes and palaces all over the globe, including Tsar Nicholas’s Winter Palace, the Hoffburg Imperial Palace in Vienna, and many of Britain’s country houses.
Edwardian Furniture
Bamboo and wicker was the material of preference in Edwardian times. This added to the already delicate and breezy nature of the style. Other furniture was reproductions, drawing influence from baroque, rococo and empire style. The wing chair is a classic shape, and upholstery favoured chintz and damask in pale colours.
Edwardian Colour
Shifting away from the darkness of the Victorian interior, colours were fresh and light, with an informal feel. Patterns were feminine, with flowers and floral designs being highly favoured. Colours were predominantly pastels: blue, lilacs, greens, yellows and grays. The floral theme was complemented by the liberal use of fresh flower arrangements. Living rooms often took darker colours such as dark green for fabrics, complemented with cream walls.
Our reference: A5225