Pair of Antique Pepys Bookcases Matching Pair Oak Mid Twentieth Century

Pair of Antique Pepys Bookcases Matching Pair Oak Mid Twentieth Century

A magnificent pair of tall and imposing 18th century Pepys style solid English oak library bookcases dating to mid twentieth century England, the upper section with moulded cornice above two glazed panelled doors with internal three shelves,  the lower section with two glass panelled doors enclosing a single shelf, with three, all raised on six bun feet, these bookcases are of the highest quality and have a wonderful oak patina, reserve now.

Background: The Pepys Bookcase: In 1666 the famous diarist Samuel Pepys was given to lament the fact that his books were "growing numerous and lying one upon another on my chairs". Simpson the Joiner was commissioned to solve the problem and he produced 12 free standing bookcases of solid oak. Prior to this, freestanding bookcases, called presses, were not in use and books were normally stored in fitted cupboards with shelving. Simpson's oak bookcases, which now stand in Magdalene College, Cambridge, are remarkable in being immediately recognisable to us today - in many ways the bookcases produced in late 17th century England have changed little in form to the present day. The twelve bookcases were made of oak, had low glazed bases with carved mouldings, and glass doors subdivided by heavy glazing bars.