What is a canterbury?

A canterbury is a traditional wooden stand featuring vertical partitions designed to hold sheet music, magazines and newspapers off the floor. Many examples also incorporate a small low drawer beneath the compartments for smaller accessories.

How old are these racks?

The pieces span from the late eighteenth century through the Georgian and Regency periods into the Victorian, Edwardian and early twentieth-century eras. Stylistic details and timber choices help identify whether an item dates from the Regency years or later Victorian decades.

Where were they used?

These items were placed beside reading chairs and sofas in period drawing rooms and parlours to keep current journals tidy. Their portable nature allowed servants or residents to move them easily around the room as needed.

Are they sturdy enough for modern magazines?

Solid mahogany, rosewood and oak construction provides robust support for contemporary periodicals and heavy daily newspapers. The sturdy partitions and integrated handles were built to withstand regular handling.