George II Mahogany Bureau Bookcase, c. 1740

George II Mahogany Bureau Bookcase
English, circa 1740

Of unusually narrow proportions, the upper cabinet has a dentil-moulded cornice above a single mirrored door flanked by fluted pilasters with foliate-carved capitals. The door opens to an interior fitted with adjustable shelves and three small drawers, with a candle slide below.

The slant front opens to a later leather-lined writing surface and an architectural fitted interior composed of pigeonholes and small drawers arranged around an arched prospect door flanked by columns concealing secret pilaster drawers; the small drawers and prospect door outlined with stringing. The lower case contains four graduated drawers with figured mahogany fronts and later brass drawer pulls and is raised on boldly carved ogee bracket feet. The cabinet separates into two sections for transport.

Combining book storage, writing, and the organized keeping of papers within a single compact form, the bureau-bookcase was designed as a practical furnishing for a study, library, or private apartment. This example’s unusually narrow proportions make it especially versatile while retaining generous storage and a fully fitted writing interior.