- 726
North East England, 18th century
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description
- Breakfront Library Bookcase
- the reverse of the cornice painted with graffiti JW ... 1827 JAMES WALLACE PAINTER 1846 GEORGE WILKINSON PAINTER 1846 J MACKENZIE SAPPER C A TAYLOR TYNE CC RE (J) W.ROBINSON J.MATTISON PAINTERS SEPT 4TH 1917 G.CARSON 1913 1929 E.TAYLOR 1929 etc. and to the back J.M SEPT 4TH WR
- Mahogany, satinwood
- 340 by 409 by 54cm., 21¼in.
- Possibly made in situ at Newton Hall circa 1780.
mahogany, satinwood, inlaid foliate marquetry and glazed, the quarter veneered doors with ivory escutcheons, one cupboard with a pull out ebony strung folio rack
Provenance
Most probably commissioned for the library at Newton Hall, Northumberland when rebuilt for Samuel Cook (b. 1722);
Christie's, South Kensington, Newton Hall, Northumberland, 20 January 2010, lot 296
Christie's, South Kensington, Newton Hall, Northumberland, 20 January 2010, lot 296
Literature
Recorded in the above sale as being listed in an Inventory and Valuation of the contents of Newton Hall, Felton, Morpeth, Northumberland, The Property of Brigadier General B. F. Widdrington, C.M.G., D.S.O., 1925, p. 27. Where it was noted that this bookcase was probably constructed in the house, circa 1780
Condition
Generally good. An impressive piece with old marks and scratches from use. The glass replaced in some sections. The painted graffiti names could well be house decorators. Glass with cracks and losses. Losses to ivory escutcheons.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
This superb library bookcase, looks to the pattern books of some the best late 18th century cabinet makers and designers. Strongly neo-classical in its bold architectural form with a broken triangular pediment and of breakfront outline, it was everything a gentleman should have in his library, a nod to ‘The Antique’, employing the costliest and best quality materials, commodious in its size and in the very latest fashion. Thomas Sheraton’s, Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Drawing Book of 1793 focuses on forms which display a sense of scale and use neo-classical detail and the doors of the offered lot echo and incorporate the same bowed mullions evidenced, although without a central tablet, in pl. 27, Doors for Bookcases.