Fine Pair of 19th Century Pollard Oak Open Bookcases

These lovely cabinets bear the hallmarks of architect designed furniture in that they appear to be unique designs produced for a single client rather than pieces taken from a pattern book. In particular the use of white marble “shelves” at the point where the lower and upper sections of the pieces meet is extremely unusual and yet entirely practical. The cabinets have a very strong architectural character, due to their severe lines, columnar detailing and in particular the way that the cornice is supported - somewhat in the manner of the top of a triumphal arch or similar structure. The widespread use of panelled detailing throughout the pieces is striking and attractive and these pieces must have been designed for use in a very grand library or drawing room of the late regency period. They relate somewhat to the taste of the architect Sir John Soane and other architects in his circle such as Thomas Cundy who produced designs for fitted library bookcases in this sort of style for their clientele during the regency period and 1820s-30s. The use of native timbers such as pollard oak became popular in the Regency period due to the work of pioneering makers such as George Bullock. Pairs of bookcases/display cabinets are always hard to acquire and this pair are truly special. The pollard oak has retained a fine colour and patination and the relatively tall and narrow proportions are eye catching in all the right ways. These fine pieces could be used to display books, objects or a combination of both and they are extremely adaptable examples of English cabinet work.