George III Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase
Stock No: 11576
£34,000.00
In-stock
Country: English
Date: Circa 1775 - 1785
Medium: Mahogany
Dimensions
Height: 274.00cm (107.87 inches)
Width: 274.00cm (107.87 inches)
Depth: 50.00cm (19.69 inches)
Main description
A George III mahogany breakfront bookcase, dating from circa 1775 to 1780, of grand scale and exceptional quality.
The cornice is crowned by crisply carved finial urns, each centred on cross banded oval and circular panels above thumbnail moulding. Vertical cut mahogany veneers extend below to four astragal glazed doors, creating a bold architectural façade typical of the finest English cabinet making of the period.
The interior is divided into three independently constructed sections, providing the strength required to house substantial collections of leather bound books and manuscripts. The top section retains the original blue paper back linings together with mahogany fronted adjustable shelves, preserving many of the features associated with eighteenth century library furniture.
The upper section stands on a low waisted figured mahogany holding board with a thumbnail moulding designed to locate the breakfront securely in position. Beneath, the four cupboard doors are veneered with vertical cut mahogany laid onto mahogany carcasses, the fronts being particularly highly figured and flamed. Each door is mitred with applied thumbnail mouldings and opens to reveal the fitted interior.
The lower section is arranged with four short graduated mahogany drawers to the outer cupboards and four long graduated drawers to the central section. All retain their original gilt brass drop handles with etched oval backplates. The bookcase is raised on a mahogany plinth with a retaining thumbnail moulding and vertical cut mahogany veneers, completing the imposing proportions of the piece.
This is a high quality London made bookcase dating to the 1770s. The design suggests the influence of George Hepplewhite, while the quality of construction is consistent with furniture produced by Gillows, making an attribution to the workshop a possibility. At the same time, the overall form possesses a distinctive character with elements reminiscent of both Scottish and American Federal design.
The bookcase survives in excellent structural condition with no breaks or splits. Two panes have been replaced with period glass, and the piece is constructed to dismantle into nine sections, with the base, middle apron and cornice are in the solid, making transportation and installation considerably more practical for a bookcase of this scale.
View the complete Freshfords Bookcases collection.
What Is a Breakfront Bookcase?
A breakfront bookcase is a large bookcase distinguished by its projecting central section, which extends forward beyond the two outer sections. Popular throughout the Georgian and Regency periods, breakfront bookcases combined impressive architectural proportions with extensive storage, making them a focal point within libraries, studies and country houses.
For further information, see our Antique Furniture Types encyclopaedia on Bookcases.
What Is Mahogany?
Mahogany is one of the most important and widely used hardwoods in the history of antique furniture. Celebrated for its strength, stability and rich colouring, it became the defining cabinet making timber of the Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods, appearing in everything from dining tables and bookcases to chests of drawers and library furniture.
For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Mahogany.
Who Were Gillows of Lancaster and London?
Gillows of Lancaster and London were among Britain’s most celebrated cabinet makers, producing exceptional furniture from the Georgian period through to the early twentieth century. Established around 1730, the firm earned an international reputation for outstanding cabinet making, innovative designs and meticulous craftsmanship, with surviving furniture remaining highly sought after by collectors today.
For further information, see our Makers and Retailers encyclopaedia on Gillows of Lancaster and London.
Who Was George Hepplewhite?
George Hepplewhite was one of the most influential English furniture designers of the George III period. Best known for his elegant Neoclassical designs and the posthumous publication of The Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer’s Guide, Hepplewhite’s work helped define late eighteenth century English furniture through its graceful proportions, shield back chairs and refined decorative details.
For further information, see our Makers and Retailers encyclopaedia on George Hepplewhite.
What Is the George III Period?
The George III period (1760-1820) is widely regarded as one of the finest periods of English furniture making. Influenced by designers such as Thomas Chippendale, George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton, furniture from the period is recognised for its elegant proportions, high quality cabinet making and the widespread use of mahogany, satinwood and other fine timbers.
For further information, see our Antique Furniture Periods encyclopaedia on the Georgian Period.
Why Buy From Freshfords Antiques?
Established in 1987, Freshfords Antiques has spent nearly four decades sourcing and curating the finest examples of English antique furniture. Our reputation is built upon a deep-rooted specialism in the Georgian and Regency periods, where we focus on selecting pieces that retain their genuine age, original patination, and unimpeachable authenticity. We believe that an antique should not only be a significant historical object but also a functional and beautiful addition to a contemporary home.
As proud members of the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA), we operate under a rigorously enforced code of conduct that prioritises professional integrity and expertise. Membership of BADA is only granted after a thorough election procedure and is subject to annual review, ensuring that our clients can purchase with complete confidence. When you acquire a piece from Freshfords, you are benefiting from a wealth of experience, a dedication to craftsmanship, and a commitment to preserving the heritage of the finest English cabinet making.
