A George I Burr Walnut Bureau Bookcase attributed to Samuel Bennett (Detail) - Apter-Fredericks Antique George I Furniture Dealer

This outstanding bookcase is veneered in the finest walnut and burr walnut which has faded to a golden colour. Surmounted by carved and gilded flame finials the bookcase has a double domed top with arches on the side and two beveled mirror doors enclosing a spectacular interior with gilded Corinthian columns, gilded figures, pigeon holes, drawers, a central cupboard and a number of secret drawers and compartments. The lower section has a fall front enclosing further pigeon holes and drawers above three graduated drawers. The bookcase retains all its original handles, escutcheons and hinges, the latter two being finely chased with floral decoration and the bun feet appear to be original. However it is the quality of workmanship and attention to detail that really mark out this piece.

The attribution to Samuel Bennett derives from the characteristic way in which Bennett constructed his drawer runners. At the time that the Bureau Bookcase was made there were only two furniture makers who assembled their drawer runners in this manner and the other maker is not known to have created furniture of this exceptional quality. Samuel Bennett had his workshop in Monmouth Square, London and there are examples of his work in many important public collections, including the Victoria & Albert Museum.
The Bureau Bookcase also bears a striking resemblance to a Bureau Bookcase in the Terry Collection at Fairfax House and, although research is still ongoing, it is possible that they are by the same hand.