The Nostell Priory Muniment Bookcases - circa 1776
probably Robert Adam (Kirkcaldy 1728 - London 1792)
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1776
Materials
Painted pine, oak cockbeads, brass, painted titles
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire
NT 959804
Summary
A pair of white-painted pine breakfront muniment bookcases, English, circa 1776, part of a set with a larger pair NT 959803.1 & .2. Probably designed by Robert Adam (1728 - 1792) for Sir Rowland Winn (1739 - 1785). NT 959804.2 with pigeonholes titled 'Lettres et Papiers d'Affairs dans la Suisse...', almost certainly a reference to papers relating to the property and business of Sabine Winn, Sir Rowland Winn's Swiss wife. Each with a moulded cornice along the bookcase’s length. The two flanking bays with open upper sections fitted with adjustable shelves. The central bays fitted with divisions and drawers and shelves. The lower cupboard doors paneled, and enclosing shelves. Each with a plinth base. The bays divided by pilasters with Corinthian capitals. Fitted with later brass knob handles of the 1820s/1830s and 21st century replacement copies. Originally fitted with oval backplates and bail handles. The drawers of pine, the cockbeading of oak.
Provenance
Probably acquired by Sir Rowland Winn in 1776 and thence by descent. Purchased by the National Trust in 2002 with the assistance of the National Heritage Memoria] Fund (NHMF), the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), and the National Art Collections Fund (NACF).
Makers and roles
probably Robert Adam (Kirkcaldy 1728 - London 1792), designer