A Handsome Chippendale Period Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase

The fluted and gothic arch carved cornice above glazed doors; the fluted waist moulding above a central secretaire drawer which opens to reveal a fully fitted interior; below are panelled cupboard doors veneered in well chosen highly figured Cuban mahogany, the right hand door opens to reveal a bank of drawers whilst the others open to reveal fully adjustable shelves; standing on a plinth base.

The crispness of the carving on this bookcase and its well chosen Cuban mahogany veneers suggest this bookcase was made by one of the leading cabinet-makers of the Chippendale period such as Chippendale himself and Ince and Mayhew.

Special note should be made of the bookcase's original swan neck handles which Christopher Gilbert described as 'Chippendale's favourite early Neo Classical gilt brass handle pattern'. Chippendale used this handle on a japanned linen press which he supplied for the State bedchamber at Nostell Priory in 1771.

Provenance

Retailed in the 19th Century by James Winter, 101 Wardour Street, London.

James Winter was a furniture broker, appraiser and undertaker and had premises on Wardour Street between 1823-1840.

Literature

The Life and Work of Thomas Chippendale, C. Gilbert, Vol II pg. 146

Dictionary of English Furniture Makers 1660-1840, ed. G. Beard and C. Gilbert