A superb example of an English early 18th century (circa 1715) burr walnut bureau bookcase of the Queen Anne period with wonderful original patina and interesting Provenance.
This bureau bookcase was exhibited at the Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair in 1948 by the London dealer Leonard Wyburd, who formerly headed up the ‘Furnishing & Decoration Studio’ at Liberty from 1883-1903.
Pieces from this period in original untouched condition (apart from the odd minor repair) are very rare to find today as many items from this period have been re-veneered during the 19th and early 20th centuries due to their popularity.
This wonderful bureau bookcase consists of an upper section with moulded cross grain cornice to the top leading down to two doors with quarter veneered curl walnut fielded arched panels with herringbone banding and walnut crossbanding supported within an intricate and shaped cross grain moulding, the doors with brass escutcheons and two candle slides below. The doors opening to reveal two adjustable shelves for books etc. with eight pigeon holes and three drawers below.
The lower bureau section consisting of a finely figured burr walnut fall with herringbone crossbanding and moulded edge with brass escutcheon and original lock, this opening to reveal a nicely fitted interior consisting of a sliding panel with well below, a central door with pigeon holes and drawers to either side with two small outer drawers which can be removed to reveal further secret drawers.
The writing surface having a walnut banding with central faded green cloth which has been retained for originality.
This leads down to an arrangement of drawers, the top dummy drawer with a looper to either side to support the fall when open, leading down to two small over two long drawers, the drawer fronts all of burr walnut with herringbone banding, oak linings and brass handles and escutcheons, the drawers surrounded by double bead applied cross grain moulding – although the
...handles have considerable age they are not original, probably replaced around 1740 possibly due to changes in fashion which is not uncommon.
The bureau bookcase is supported on a cross gain moulding and stands on original bracket feet, the sides walnut veneer on oak, the back also of oak boards.
Leonard Wyburd was a British painter, interior and furniture designer, at the age of only eighteen he headed up the ‘Furnishing & Decoration Studio’ at Liberty from 1883-1903 where Moorish, Asian and Gothic influenced designs became very popular.
It is written in the book ‘Liberty’s Furniture 1875-1915 The Birth of Modern Interior Design’ that he was a ‘supremely talented designer of the most important elements of the Liberty style’ but seems to often ‘receive only the briefest of mentions’ in books on Liberty and the Arts & Crafts movement.
He left Liberty in 1903 and set up his own design studio in London where he carried out many commissions for designing furniture and interiors, he later became an antiques dealer having a shop in Sloane Avenue, London and exhibiting at The Grosvenor House Antiques Fair.
The Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair was launched in September 1934, the most prestigious Antiques Fair in Britain for many years, a ground breaking event for the time setting the standards that others strived to follow, the fair running for many years until finally coming to an end in June 2009.
This bureau bookcase in in very good original condition for age and is a super example, it is of stable construction and can go straight into a home or collection - we can see from the image of this piece it looks to remain in the same condition as in 1948.
Reference:
‘Connoisseur Magazine Antique Dealers Fair Souvenir issue’ for 1948 and ‘Connoisseur Guide to Antique Furniture’.
''Liberty’s Furniture 1875-1915 The Birth of Modern Interior Design''.
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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.
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LAPADA & CINOA member
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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.
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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK
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Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services
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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.
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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque
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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:
www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk
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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451
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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.
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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.
******************************************Internal Reference: LVS1317
Antique Number: SA1050905
Dateline of this antique is 18th Century
Height is 200.5cm (78.9inches)Width is 104cm (40.9inches)Depth is 58.5cm (23.0inches)
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