A substantial late Victorian mahogany archive cabinet, formerly used by the National Gallery in London and retaining its National Gallery Archive plaque.
Dating from the late 19th century, the cabinet is made in two sections with glazed doors throughout, adjustable timber shelving and a broad central counter surface. The doors retain their original brass hinges, locks and turned wooden knobs, while the shelving and doors are numbered in gilt, with several sections marked in Roman numerals.
The construction is particularly good, with solid timber throughout and traditional hand-cut joinery visible to the carcass. Its scale, robust construction and practical arrangement are typical of high-quality institutional furniture made for long-term use.
There is extensive wear to the central surface, together with knocks, marks and scratches throughout, all consistent with many years of use within the National Gallery archives. These signs of use form an important part of the cabinet’s history and character.
A rare piece of British institutional furniture with excellent provenance and a particularly strong presence.
H: 260 W: 371 D: 59.5 cm
Price excludes VAT
A substantial late Victorian mahogany archive cabinet, formerly used by the National Gallery in London and retaining its National Gallery Archive plaque.
Dating from the late 19th century, the cabinet is made in two sections with glazed doors throughout, adjustable timber shelving and a broad central counter surface. The doors retain their original brass hinges, locks and turned wooden knobs, while the shelving and doors are numbered in gilt, with several sections marked in Roman numerals.
The construction is particularly good, with solid timber throughout and traditional hand-cut joinery visible to the carcass. Its scale, robust construction and practical arrangement are typical of high-quality institutional furniture made for long-term use.
There is extensive wear to the central surface, together with knocks, marks and scratches throughout, all consistent with many years of use within the National Gallery archives. These signs of use form an important part of the cabinet’s history and character.
A rare piece of British institutional furniture with excellent provenance and a particularly strong presence.
H: 260 W: 371 D: 59.5 cm
Price excludes VAT
