A Victorian neo-classical style gilt-brass mounted mahogany library bookcase, circa 1872, the design possibly James Piers St Aubyn
Auction Closed
March 24, 08:41 PM GMT
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
A Victorian neo-classical style gilt-brass mounted mahogany library bookcase
circa 1872, the design possibly James Piers St Aubyn
the cavetto cornice over a frieze applied with Empire style mounts over open adjustable shelves, the moulded base with curved corners over further shelves on a plinth base
319cm. high, 186cm. wide, 42cm. deep.
Inventory, 1926, p. 31, in the library.
In 1872 James Piers St Aubyn (1815–1895) was commissioned by Sir Wyndham Knatchbull, 12th Baronet, to undertake designs for alterations to Mersham, his newly inherited house. These included switching the main entrance to the north front from Robert Adam's original location on the south façade. It also involved the design of a Tuscan colonnade around the bow at ground level to emphasise this new entrance. Internally St Aubyns principal alteration was the combination of Adam's old library and parlour into one larger library. The present lot, which is ensuite with extant bookcases still at Mersham, formed part of the rooms redecoration.
For this suite of library bookcases in situ, see H. Avray Tipping, English Homes, Late Georgian, 1760-1820, London, 1926, p.136.