Queen Anne Antique Furniture
Many fine examples of antique bookcases
When looking for antique bookcases, domestic pieces will generally date from as far back as 1700 when case furniture began to be produced in serious quantity. Bookcases of course can be traced back as far as the late 16th century and there are some very fine examples at Oxford University’s Bodleian Library. Early examples of bookcases were usually made of oak, and tended to be plain rather than decorative. Very early books would be laid flat on the shelves, and it was only with the advent of the print industry that spines and titles would be displayed outwards.
A walnut bureau bookcase from the time of Queen Anne (1702-14) is a very fine example of an early antique bookcase. Pieces like this formed part of a revolution in furniture making in Britain, with the arrival of Huguenot craftsmen expelled from France at the end of the 17th century and these new forms of manufacture remained throughout the 18th century. The bureau bookcase was an encased set of shelves set upon a bureau or writing desk. The desk had a fold down flap with sets of drawers arranged beneath. The cabinet placed on top to hold the books had two often mirror glazed doors which helped to encourage light. These cabinets were often pedimented on top to give an architectural quality to the piece.
As the 18th century progressed, varying types of antique bookcase evolved. Much larger architectural pieces were being made for libraries and the smaller compact bureau bookcase for the drawing room. Walnut had now become Very Scarce and mahogany was being imported as its replacement. The bookcase was not only made to showcase books but also to showcase the art of the cabinet maker and many fine examples remain from the time of George III onwards. Door fronts were generally glazed within astragal mouldings and beading and these ornamental glazed doors could range from fairly plain to very elaborate.
One of the most impressive bookcases is the breakfront. These are large architectural pieces with broken pediments and moulded cornices, usually made from mahogany. They can be fully or half glazed with cupboards rather than bureaux underneath, usually with three or four sets of shelves, with the central set pushed forward or breaking the front of the piece.
Towards the end of the 18th century, designer decorators like Robert Adam incorporated furniture like the secretaire cabinet and secretaire bookcase into their general house design. The much lighter satinwood had become popular during this later period and Adam employed craftsmen and artists to decorate furniture with marquetry inlay or painted neoclassical motifs and garlands of flowers. Some pieces were very bright and colourful indeed.
Much Queen Anne, Georgian and Neoclassical furniture from the 18th century was revived during the Victorian era so there remains a good choice of well made, large and more compact antique bookcases in a variety of guises to choose from. These are very imposing pieces of furniture and make excellent investments for the budding antique collector, or for the general investor.
About the Author
The author, Christian Davies, is a second generation antiques dealer and owner of Christian Davies Antiques, a family based antiques business based in Preston, Lancashire. Christian has over 23 years experience in the antiques business and has a passion for genuine, high quality antiques furniture, such as antique bookcases, which he sources from the UK and Europe.
Queen Anne Lowboy dressing table by Doucette and Wolfe Furniture Makers Colonial Furniture
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Deluxe 7 drawer, 2 door queen anne style jewelry armoire mahogany finish wood $109.22 Deluxe 7 drawer, 2 door queen anne style jewelry armoire mahogany finish wood, measures 17″ x 12″ x 39 1/2″ H. Some assembly required…. |
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Floral Design White Finish Wood JEWELRY ARMOIRE $149.56 This is a beautiful hand-painted roomy, large armoire. Each of the sides have a row of hooks for hanging necklaces and has a nice felt backing. These open and close with ease. This has seven drawers, including a top jewelry compartment under the lid. Notice the Queen Anne legs and the beautiful purplish hand-painted roses. The top also has a mirror for viewing. This is built very well and done in … |
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Set of 2 Chippendale Style Cherry Finish Dining Chairs $113.32 Dimension: 40″H Finish: Cherry Material: Wood Set of 2 Chippendale Style dining chairs Dining chairs features ivory white fabric cushion seats. Matching dining table and arm chair are sold separately. Assembly required… |
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Powell Attic Cherry Bed Steps $117.00 Keep everything within easy reach with the Antique Cherry Attic Bed Step. Solidly designed with an arched shaped base to feel extra sturdy and crafted in MDF panels with curved front edges, this step will provide years of faithful service. Queen Anne legs and an antique cherry finish complete the look of the Antique Cherry Attic Bed Step. Features: Bed Step features solid wood and MDF constructi… |
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Belwith Products P321-DAC Queen Annes Lace Key Knob Finish:Dark Antique Copper, Material*:Alloy Since 1893, Belwith-Keeler has built a reputation as the world’s premier producer of quality cabinet hardware.Available in one finish only; please see options to select.Note: Backplate also available, please see accessories to purchase…. |
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Attic Cherry Antique Cherry Bed Steps $99.99 Graceful country styling. “Antique Cherry” finish with subtle distressed surfaces include fly spec, cow tail, and rasp surfaces. There are two steps to the top. Top step includes hidden drawer. Solid wood Queen Anne legs with small bun foot. Panels and skirts are MDF with select hardwood veneers. Some assembly required…. |
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Mahogany Stained Drop Leaf Table with 2 Queen Ann Chairs Scaled to Fit American Girl Dolls $79.99 High quality Queen Anne style drop leaf table with 2 chairs is perfect furniture sized for 18 inch American Girl Dolls. Mahogany stained drop leaf table measures 14 x 8.5 inches fully extended and is 9 inches H. Also included, 2 Queen Anne style chairs measuring 13 inches H with a seat measurement of 6.5 inches H x 6.5 inches D. Designed and manufactured by us, The Queen’s Treasures…. |
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Furniture Foosball Table Finish: Traditional Mahogany $805.99 F1125 Finish: Traditional Mahogany Are you looking for a game table for your home but your spouse wants an antique? Meet the perfect compromise. The Furniture Foosball Table features beautiful Veneer inlay cabinets for an old fashioned, sophisticated look. The table’s antique look is enhanced by the table’s Queen Anne style carved legs. But do not be fooled by its appearance. This is a high perfor… |
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Furniture Foosball Table Finish: Honey Maple $805.99 F1126 Finish: Honey Maple Features: -Queen Anne style carved legs.-Veneer inlay cabinets.-Recessed score unit. Options: -Available in 2 finishes: honey maple, and traditional mahogany. Construction: -All wood construction…. |
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Collector’s Encyclopedia of Russell Wright: Identification & Values $24.93 In addition to the dinnerware collectibles, this book also features the furniture, housewares, lamps, wood, metal works, fabrics, and numerous other items sought by collectors and dealers. Hundreds of photos, including vintage catalogs and advertisements, and revised values for all items to reflect today’s ever-changing market. AUTHORBIO: Ann Kerr was an avid Russel Wright collector and researcher… |
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