Library bookcase
Thomas Donaldson (d.1857)
Category
Furniture
Date
1813 (billed for)
Materials
Mahogany, deal, oak, giltwood, gilt brass, glass, crepe
Measurements
285 x 204 x 38.5 cm
Place of origin
Shrewsbury
Order this imageCollection
Attingham Park, Shropshire
NT 608110.2.1
Summary
A mahogany, giltwood and gilt brass library bookcase, billed for by Thomas Donaldson (d. 1857), carver and gilder of Shrewsbury in 1813. Originally part of a larger set and matching the bookcases which line the Inner Library (NT 608110.1) which were billed for by Donaldson in 1812. The other range of bookcases in the Inner Library were sold in the auction of the contents of Attingham in 1827. This bookcase set into the wall, and comprising twelve deal, mahogany and ebony adjustable shelves (NT 608110.2.2 - .14). The frontage with a leaf-carved moulded cornice above a frieze with an applied giltwood beading. Above three doors with a brass grille fashioned as a lozenge lattice. Three small cupboards enclosed by similarly grilled doors - line with pleated blue crepe - below. All the doors spaced by sunken 'pilasters' edge with giltwood beading. On a deep plinth with an upper giltwood moulding. Fitted with Lever locks.
Full description
This bookcase, its frontage formed of brass doors lined with brass grilles, was billed for by Thomas Donaldson (d. 1857), a carver and gilder of Shrewsbury, in 1813. One year earlier, he had supplied two ranges of identical bookcases for the room next door - the Inner Library - which cost £331 11s 6d [NT 608110.1]. His bills describe this Ante-Room bookcase as of 'the finest Spanish Mahogy, veneerd upon Spanish Wood...finish'd in burnishd Gold'. The bookcases in the Inner Library were billed as of 'the finest Spanish Mahogany, crossbanded...finish'd in burnish'd gold'. Originally, both rooms were furnished with more bookcases, but ranges were sold in the Auction at Attingham in 1827. The range that survives in the Inner Library was catalogued as 'The elegant suite of Mahogany Panelled and Moulded Frame Wing Bookcases, Side of Room facing Windows, in five Compartments, Fitted up with numerous Shifting Shelves, enclosed by Ten Pair of Folding Doors, filled with Handsome Brass Diamond Trellis-Work, Ornamental Pilasters, and Brass Mouldings, Massive Rich Carved Leaf Moulded Cornice &c. on deep Plinth...Bramah's Patent Locks and Key.' This Inner Library range was bought in for £99 15s, about half the cost that Donaldson had charged for this range in 1812. This bookcase (Lot 126) was bought in for £56 0s. Between 1810 and 1813, Donaldson's bills for bookcases amounted to nearly £1000, including transport and installation. Donaldson also made the handsome pair of marble-topped console tables which still stand in the Picture Gallery [NT 608144] and much decorative and gilded woodwork throughout the house.
Provenance
2nd Lord Berwick Collection. Purchased by Thomas Noel Hill, 2nd Baron Berwick (1770 - 1832) in 1813. Listed in the 1827 auction catalogue as Lot 126 (p. 47) and bought in for £56 0s. Listed in the 1861 Inventory taken at Attingham (p. 83), in the 1947 Probate Valuation taken there as an 'heirloom' (p. 10) and in the Inventory taken c. 1953 (p. 2). Bequeathed to the National Trust with the estate, house and partial contents of Attingham by Thomas Henry Noel-Hill, 8th Baron Berwick (1877 - 1947) and transferred to the National Trust on 15th May 1953.
Makers and roles
Thomas Donaldson (d.1857), carver Thomas Donaldson (d.1857), gilder
References
Rowell, 2015: Christopher Rowell, 'Furniture, Carving and Gilding at Attingham Park by Thomas Donaldson of Shrewsbury', in National Trust Historic Houses & Collections Annual 2015, 12 - 20