An early George III mahogany breakfront library bookcase. The upper part with four glazed doors with astragal mouldings and adjustable shelves below a carved cornice with a pierced and carved swan neck pediment.

The slightly projecting lower part with a carved “pagoda” moulding above fitted cupboards and drawers retaining the original chased brass handles. The center section opening to reveal a secretaire drawer, with small drawers and pigeon holes and an inset panel of hide, standing on a plinth base.

Thomas Chippendale is widely regarded as the finest cabinet maker and designer of the 18^th Century. Chippendale published his designs in ‘The Gentlemen and Cabinet-maker’s Director’ this catalogue was first published in 1754 and was revolutionary at the time and caused a sensation. It was subscribed to by wealthy landowners, cabinet makers, other designers and architects.

Chippendales genius was a combination of many things. However most important were his use of beautiful balanced and original designs, the use of the finest quality materials, and a unrivalled attention to the smallest detail.

 While this resulted in a piece of Chippendale furniture being completely harmonious in every aspect, it also meant that pieces are as functional and beautiful today, as they were 300 years ago.

The form of this bookcase with its elegant swan's neck pediment, bordered cabinet doors and ‘pagoda’ inspired waist moulding  compares to documented  examples executed in the workshop of Thomas Chippendale.

 A pair of comparable bookcases,  were commissioned by the Earl of Pembroke for Wilton House, Wiltshire and  appear in Sir William Chambers's drawings for the study at Pembroke House, seen here.

 This bookcase is exceptional quality throughout. It  bares striking design similarities and constructional methods to documented Chippendale pieces, and it is highly likely that this breakfront was also executed in the Chippendale workshop during the mid 1760s.