Bureau

Museum number

F190

Object

Bureau

Description

Bureau-Bookcase, English c. 1705-10. Oak veneered with finely figured walnut, with some alterations and restorations.The piece constructed in three sections, a lower chest of two long and two short drawers, a centre section of secretaire compartment with hinged sloping lid, the upper section consisting of a bookcase enclosed by two large panelled doors beneath an elaborate double pediment.The lowest section on later bracket feet, of rectangular shape, all veneered in walnut with cross-banded borders, and with brass escutcheons and handles (probably replaced), the drawers made of oak. Pronounced mouldings below the drawers and above, disguising the junction with the secretaire section. This section has an upright frieze below the writing slope with three panels of walnut veneer with cross-banded borders, two sliding supports for the slope at either side with brass knobs, the writing slope a panel of matched walnut veneers bordered with sycamore or holly line, brass lockplate, inside a conventional arrangement of pigeon-holes and drawers and secret compartment beneath. The upper section contains at the base, two pull-out slides to hold candles, small brass knobs, above which are two large panelled doors with arched tops, the central panels possibly originally contained mirror glass, figured walnut with bordering mouldings, an arrangement of shelves and drawers within. The top with a heavy double arched cornice, also oak veneered in walnut.

Materials

Walnut

Inscription

None

On display?

No

Further description

Simple name

Furniture

Subject

Architectural