E. W. Godwin Style, Oak Hanging Bookcase with Greco-Roman Vulcanite Roundels

Hanging bookcase in oak, in the style of E. W. Godwin and aligned to the Aesthetic Movement (1860–1890), c.1880.

An oak hanging bookcase, with portrait medallion roundels in moulded vulcanite. The roundels show Greco-Roman, Hellenising female profile heads, set into the shaped sides of the bookcase.

An economic design with two open upper shelves, each with shaped aprons, and a display area behind the ebonised gallery to the top. The shaped upper sides conform to the elongated lower sides, giving the piece a strong vertical profile within a compact wall-hung form.

The finials to this hanging bookcase are reminiscent of bookcases Godwin designed for Dromore Castle,* and also relate to a design for a buffet** and to the left-hand corner of a line drawing for parlour furniture.*** The elongated lower sides are a similar detail to hanging cabinets he also designed.

We have another hanging bookcase by the same maker, listed here: Reformed Gothic Hanging Bookcase in the Style of E. W. Godwin

References / Provenance

* Susan Weber Soros, The Secular Furniture of E. W. Godwin, p. 191, illus. 311, Dromore Castle bookcases.

** Susan Weber Soros, The Secular Furniture of E. W. Godwin, p. 222, illus. 356, design for a buffet.

*** Susan Weber Soros, The Secular Furniture of E. W. Godwin, p. 230, illus. 374, line drawing for parlour furniture.