English bookcase black c. 1880

A monumental English bookcase from the Victorian period, crafted around 1880. The bookcase is made entirely of mahogany and has a black spray-painted finish applied at a later date. The interior has largely retained its original warm, reddish-brown mahogany colour.

The bookcase comprises three sections placed side by side, which together form an impressive whole. The top is crowned by moulded cornices with a refined dentil moulding. The classical architectural design and symmetrical layout are characteristic of English cabinetmaking from the second half of the 19th century.

The upper section features six large glass doors with a delicate wooden glazing bar pattern. Behind these are several adjustable shelves. The interior walls are fitted with traditional horizontal grooves, allowing the shelves to be positioned at different heights.

The lower section consists of six large panelled doors, behind which lie spacious storage compartments. Behind the central doors, there is also a concealed drawer section with four mahogany drawers, fitted with richly decorated, round brass handles in the Empire style.

The cabinet features traditional brass fittings and locks. The name ‘Bramah, London’ is visible on one of the locks. Bramah was a renowned English lock manufacturer, founded at the end of the 18th century and known for its high-quality security locks.

The structure consists of sturdy mahogany posts, rails and panels, with traditional wood joints. The moulded frames and simple plinth emphasise the architectural design of the piece.

A bookcase of this size would originally have been intended for a spacious private library, study or formal interior. The combination of glass doors, adjustable shelves and enclosed storage space made such pieces of furniture particularly suitable for extensive book collections and documents.

The exterior has recently been spray-painted black, whilst the mahogany interior has largely retained its natural appearance.

Slight signs of wear. As the wood surface is not 100 per cent even throughout, various signs of wear are visible through the paint.

Origin: England
Date: circa 1880
Materials: mahogany, pine, brass and glass
Period: Victorian

Dimensions: 369W x 275H x 59D cm
Outer dimensions: 49D cm