Cabinet bookcase, English, 1870-1890

Walnut bookcase with carved and turned decoration and steel hinges. The lower stage with an open shelf is supported at each end by legs with baluster turning, and in the centre by a dividing panel with a baluster turned supporting member at its front. The back of this section is also panelled. The second stage is formed of two cupboards, each with two panelled doors with scrolled strap hinges and scrolled keyhole and handle escutcheons engraved VR I for Victoria Regina Imperatrix. The cupboards are divided by a single stile with a carved cushion panel and are flanked by grooved upright members. In front of these are free standing columns with similar grooved decoration and turned balusters. These support the projecting ends of the top of this stage and continue the legs of the first stage.

The upper gate is formed as two glazed bookcase cupboards each with two doors of about two thirds the depth of the two lower stages. The doors have each have eight panels of glass, scrolled hinges and keyhole and handle eschutcheons to the same design. Each cupboard has two shelves with grooved fronts, scalloped leather valances with stamped black geometrical decoration. The cupboards are divided by a single style similar to that of the second stage, and flanked by square projecting columns with carved decoration formed by foliage scrolls.

The cornice, projecting at the front corners, is formed of two groups of mouldings separated by a concave fluted moulding with three panels of scrolled ornament above the centre of the two cupboards and the division between them, the latter panel incorporating a blank shield. The projecting corners are decorated with with acanthus carving.

Purchased and acquired by the V&A in 1962, RP 62/795

On long term loan to Turton Tower, Bolton.

CIRC.619-1962