Georgian Mahogany Revolving Bookcase
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This Georgian mahogany revolving bookcase epitomizes fine English furniture making
Key Features
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- This exquisite Georgian revolving bookcase combines beauty with ingenuity
- Crafted of Cuban mahogany, this stunning tiered case boasts trompe l'oeil book dividers
- Ebony-inlaid frieze drawers and original casters complete this elegant design
- Circa 1800
- 30" diameter x 60 1/2" high
Item Details
- Height:
60 1/2 Inches - Diameter:
30 Inches - Period:
18th Century - Origin:
England/Ireland
This extremely rare revolving bookcase is considered the ultimate bookcase model of the Georgian period. Crafted of luxurious Cuban mahogany in a refined Neoclassical style, this three-tiered case features trompe l'oeil dividers made to look like leather-bound volumes. Each of the three levels rotate independently of each other, adding to the desirability of the design. The frieze drawers in the drum table base feature rare ebony inlays, and all of the frieze drawers are faux, save for one. Clearly the work of a master craftsman, the bookcase's turned column tripod is enhanced by its original brass casters. Such a quality revolving bookcase is an unquestionable rarity on the market, ranking it among the most desirable furnishings for collectors.
The late Georgian era is considered by many to be the zenith of English cabinet-making, and this bookcase is certainly a triumph of early 18th century-inventiveness. A patent was taken out in July, 1808 by Benjamin Crosby for "a machine or stand for books, which may be either circular, square, or any other convenient shape, and which may be turned or moved at pleasure; with cases to receive books." This elegant yet flexible bookstand demonstrates the demand for furniture to be light and small enough to be easily moved about. The design for these bookcases was prompted by the desire to leave walls free for paintings. A revolving bookcase such as this could be placed in corners or recesses where a traditional case would otherwise be inconvenient to dispose the same number of books. Excellent condition.
Circa 1810
30" diameter x 60 1/2" high
This type of circular bookstand is illustrated on pl.13 in Rudolph Ackermann's Repository for Arts for March, 1810 as an "ingenious contrivance."
Page 83 of Regency Furniture 1795-1830 , 1965, by Margaret Jourdain pictures similar revolving bookstands.
An identical revolving bookstand is illustrated in Frances Collard's Regency Furniture, 1985, p. 16.
The late Georgian era is considered by many to be the zenith of English cabinet-making, and this bookcase is certainly a triumph of early 18th century-inventiveness. A patent was taken out in July, 1808 by Benjamin Crosby for "a machine or stand for books, which may be either circular, square, or any other convenient shape, and which may be turned or moved at pleasure; with cases to receive books." This elegant yet flexible bookstand demonstrates the demand for furniture to be light and small enough to be easily moved about. The design for these bookcases was prompted by the desire to leave walls free for paintings. A revolving bookcase such as this could be placed in corners or recesses where a traditional case would otherwise be inconvenient to dispose the same number of books. Excellent condition.
Circa 1810
30" diameter x 60 1/2" high
This type of circular bookstand is illustrated on pl.13 in Rudolph Ackermann's Repository for Arts for March, 1810 as an "ingenious contrivance."
Page 83 of Regency Furniture 1795-1830 , 1965, by Margaret Jourdain pictures similar revolving bookstands.
An identical revolving bookstand is illustrated in Frances Collard's Regency Furniture, 1985, p. 16.
