Object Description
A decorative mahogany secretaire bookcase of impressive proportions in the manner of Thomas Chippendale.
English Circa 1900.
Of impressive stature, this well made George III style bookcase of serpentine form has all the classics designs of the most celebrated English cabinet maker of the 18th Century, Thomas Chippendale.
The serpentine shaped cornice having an unusually carved blind fret to the underside above a dentil mould, a central carved gadrooned vase to the middle of the frieze flanked by foliate swags.
The pair of serpentine shaped doors having a detailed astrical glaze and carved corner brackets enclosing a pair of shelves flanked by cluster columns, above a pair of serpentine cupboard doors with faux drawer fronts. Each drawer front having book-match flame mahogany veneers surrounded by a crossbanded, ebony strung edge and eight brass knob handles, opening to reveal a drop flap and pull-out secretaire drawer with an arrangement of drawers and pigeonholes. Below the secretaire a further pair of mahogany doors each having an oval moulded central panel whilst being quarter cut veneered with a cross-banded and ebony inlaid edge enclosing a shelved storage compartment.
The base section, having conforming cluster columns and brass reeded closing strips to the doors, whilst being raised on splay bracket feet united by a shaped apron.
Offered in excellent condition having cleaned and polished using traditional methods. This fine secretaire bookcase stands extremely well having an excellent choice of veneers and superb colour throughout.
Note the usual carvings to the underside of the cornice showing attention to detail by the craftsman and impressive proportions.
Thomas Chippendale (1718 – 1779) was born in Otley in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England in June 1718. He became a cabinet-maker in London, designing furniture in the mid-Georgian, English Rococo, and Neoclassical styles. In 1754 he published a book of his designs, titled The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker’s Director, upon which success he became renowned. The designs are regarded as reflecting the current British fashion for furniture of that period. Chippendale furniture is regarded as the best of his period with his furniture being highly prized and valued.
Please note all measurements are taken from the widest point.
Dimensions
Width 46 1/2 inches -118cm
Height 85 1/2 inches – 217cm
Depth 23 inches – 58.5cm