England

circa 1745 - 1755

The Horsington Manor Bureau Bookcase:

The dentilled broken arch pediment is centred by a carved and turned mahogany urn which is original and is surmounted on a moulded platform with a conforming cornice which sits above a pair of highly figured panelled and fielded doors finished with a carved centre moulding. The bookcase opens to reveal adjustable shelves and an arrangement of three small drawers. The bureau, with its secretaire fall, opens to a fully fitted elaborate interior enclosing blind-fret curtains and pigeon holes above a bank of small drawers which are flanked with architectural columns that slide out. The mahogany open-fret decoration to the mirror door is fitted with its original plate and opens to reveal a concealed secret compartment. The bureau is fitted with lopers to accommodate the fall and consists of two short and three long graduated drawers that carry the original gilt and gilded brass cast handles. The bureau bookcase sits on a shallow shaped base and stands on elegant carved 'Cuban' mahogany bracket feet and concealed barrel-shaped brass castors.

HORSINGTON MANOR, SOMERSET
Horsington Manor was owned by the Gowens family from the 16th century until 1653, and from 1748 by Matthew Spencer who built the manor house between 1753 and 1770. Parson Woodforde visited the house on 4 July 1770 said “Mr Spencer has a noble house and everthing in the neatest manner".

Spencer's son sold it to the Bailward family in 1787. Large quantities of documents relating to Horsington Manor have been donated to the Somerset Record Office for safe-keeping.

Although we have not been able to identify or attribute a cabinet maker to this impressive piece we do know it came from a high-end workshop employing highly skilled cabinet makers which was more than likely in London.. The materials used throughout this piece are high grade.

We think this is an 'Important' piece as we strongly believe the bureau bookcase has never been on the open market as it has always been in situ at Horsington Manor, Somerset, England until now!

Dimensions

Height 265.00cm (104.33 inches)

Width 107.00cm (42.13 inches)

Depth 60.00cm (23.62 inches)

Depth Framed 94.00cm (37.01 inches)

Stock No: FCS483